Since VEGF-A is a known HIF-1α target (35) and HIF-1α is present in L. amazonensis- and L. major-infected lesions in humans and in preclinical models (26, 33, 34, 36), it is possible that HIF-1α plays a role in infection-induced proliferation of the endothelial cells. The gene discussed is VEGFA; the disease is infection.