This study unveiled the role of IL-23-dependent IL-17 induction in <i>LdCen<sup>-/-</sup></i> parasite-induced immunity and subsequent protection against visceral leishmaniasis.
The protection against VL was associated with increased production of nitric oxide (NO), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), IL-17A, and tumor necrosis factor alpha by splenic cells restimulated <i>ex vivo</i> with <i>L. infantum</i> antigens.
Additionally the data presented herein suggests that splenic FoxP3- and IL-17-producing cells are involved in the chronicity of visceral leishmaniasis.