Dr. Nidhi Dey from the University of York was recently interviewed on her exciting new work on the spatial analysis of IDO1 and PDL1 checkpoints in cutaneous leishmaniasis. What are IDO1 and PDL1, and what is their relevance to the study of cutaneous leishmaniasis? IDO1 and PDL1 are immune checkpoints with key roles in immune system regulation. Their relevance stems from their ability to suppress T-cell function. T-cells are vital to the body’s immune response against the parasite-caused cutaneous leishmaniasis. Because IDO1 and PDL1 can inhibit T-cell activity, they can potentially limit the body's ability to combat the parasite effectively….