An antigenic complex that restores ability in leprosy patients to kill Mycobacterium leprae--the probable molecular events identified by in vitro experiments.
The delipidified cell components of Mycobacterium leprae (DCC) obtained as an insoluble material was presented as an antigen by the macrophages of lepromatous leprosy patients. This resulted in in vitro lymphocyte proliferation and production of lymphokines, like IL-2 and IFN-gamma. This DCC induced culture supernatant was capable of activating patient macrophages through changes induced in the membrane, as monitored by same specific markers, before and after exposure to the supernatant. The activated macrophages could recognise M. leprae as an antigen to initiate cell mediated immunity and also recognise the bacilli as a pathogen to produce superoxide leading to the killing of phagocytosed M. leprae. Based on these observations, it is indicated that DCC could be a potent immunomodulatory restoring in the phagocytes of leprosy patients to kill M. leprae like normal resistant individuals.
Mahadevan
P R
PR
Foundation for Medical Research, Worli, Bombay, India.
Robinson
P
P
D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000276:immunology; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D015440:Leprosy, Lepromatous / Q000276:immunology*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008264:Macrophages / Q000276:immunology*; D009166:Mycobacterium leprae / Q000276:immunology*; D010587:Phagocytosis
D000942:Antigens, Bacterial