Research progress of role of innate immunity in infection of leptospira / 上海交通大学学报（医学版）

ABSTRACT

Leptospirosis is an important zoonosis with worldwide distribution. As the first procedure in immunity system, the role and significance of innate immunity in controlling infection at the early stage of the disease have gradually been emphasized. Macrophages can phagocytize and kill leptospira, while the pathogenic leptospira can evade the killing by macrophages. In addition, neutrophils, complement system and cytokines also contribute to the defence of leptospira infection.