Abstract 2643 Characterization of Leishmania exosomes and their function during parasitic infections

Leishmania donovani (LD) is a eukaryotic parasite that causes visceral leishmaniasis, which is a neglected tropical disease (NTD), in humans. During its life cycle, promastigotes produce extracellular vesicles (EVs), which can affect parasite-host interactions and modify the host immune response. Parasite-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) act as carriers of proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and metabolites, playing a critical role in genetic exchange and early host-parasite communication. Previous studies have shown that Leishmania EVs typically induce an M2 anti-inflammatory response in macrophages which can increase parasite infection and survival.