Although other studies have demonstrated a role for both MyD88 and TLR9 in the generation of IL-12 and IFN-γ-dependent protective immune responses murine models of infection with other Leishmania parasites (specifically L. major, L. donovani and L.(V) braziliensis[13]–[15], [17], [19]–[21]) this study demonstrates that the viral immune response driven by LRV does not impair protection conferred by MyD88 and TLR9 pathways nor those elicited due to IL-12. The gene discussed is IFNG; the disease is infection.