Long term protection against challenge infection-early clearance. Protective Th1-type immune response. Increase of single and multiple cytokine (IFN-γ, IL-2, and TNFα) producing cells, IFN-γ/IL-10 ratio, IgG2a immunoglobulins and NO production. Reduced organ parasite burden. Cross-protective against L. braziliensis challenge. This evidence concerns the gene IL10 and infection.