IFNG and infection: After infection, immunized mice, as compared to the controls, including phage (wild-type phage) and mimotope (non-relevant phage) controls, displayed significant reductions in the parasite burden in all evaluated organs, which was correlated with a higher production of IFN-γ by their spleen cells; one of the main cytokines implicated in the protective immunity against Leishmania[28], [29], [31].