Leishmania proteins derived from recombinant DNA: current status and next steps.

The parasite Leishmania is a major cause of disease worldwide. In the past 15 years, many groups have analysed DNA-derived proteins from Leishmania. Large amounts of data obtained by these groups can be collated to direct future research into Leishmania and to find novel immunological mechanisms and information about its metabolism. International coordination will increase both the basic knowledge about Leishmania and the capacity to apply this knowledge to combat leishmaniases.