spp. (Kinetoplastida) are unicellular parasites causing leishmaniases, neglected tropical diseases of medical and veterinary importance. In the vertebrate host, parasites multiply intracellularly in professional phagocytes, such as monocytes and macrophages. However, their close relative with intracellular development--can unlock even non-professional phagocytes. Since and have similar organelle equipment, is it possible that can invade and even proliferate in cells other than the professional phagocytes? Additionally, could these cells play a role in the long-term persistence of in the host, even in cured individuals? In this review, we provide (i) an overview of non-canonical host cells and (ii) an insight into the strategies that may use to enter them. Many studies point to fibroblasts as already established host cells that are important in latent leishmaniasis and disease epidemiology, as they support transformation into amastigotes and even their multiplication. To invade them, causes damage to their plasma membrane and exploits the subsequent repair mechanism via lysosome-triggered endocytosis. Unrevealing the interactions between and its non-canonical host cells may shed light on the persistence of these parasites in vertebrate hosts, a way to control latent leishmaniasis.