Variations in the serum levels of soluble CD23, nitric oxide and IgE across the spectrum of American cutaneous leishmaniasis

Serum IgE levels and the expression of low affinity receptor for IgE (Fc RII/CD23) are increased in cutaneous leishmaniasis. The ligation of CD23 receptor by IgE–anti-IgE immune complexes results in nitric oxide (NO) production, which is a critical leishmanicidal factor. Human monocytes/macrophages express Fc RII/CD23 after activation with IFN-γ and IL-4. In the present study, we assessed the relationship between NO, total and Leishmania-specific IgE and soluble CD23 across the clinical spectrum of American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL). Sixty-nine ACL patients and 22 endemic controls were studied. NO concentration was estimated using the Greiss method. Soluble CD23, total IgE and anti-Leishmania IgE levels were measured using ELISA. Soluble CD23 was increased in the four patient groups (0.001