Epithelial homelessness: an atypical form of anoikis triggered by Leishmania interaction with epithelial cells.

Aim: Leishmaniasis is characterized by a spectrum of diseases with two main clinical forms, cutaneous and visceral, caused by Leishmania tropica and Leishmania donovani , respectively. Studying Leishmania 's interaction with the epithelial barrier at the initial site of a bite is crucial to understanding the establishment of the disease. Materials & methods: To discern parasite-host epithelial interaction, we developed in vitro cellular models involving co-cultures of Leishmania and MDCK epithelial cells . Results: Both L. donovani -MDCK and L. tropica -MDCK co-culture models demonstrated a phenomenon known as atypical anoikis apoptosis, typically identified by distinctive 'flipping in' of cell membranes and disordered cytoskeletal frameworks. Conclusion: This study bridges the gap in the fundamental understanding of the intricate latticework involving vector -Leishmania- host and may inform drug development strategies.