Evidence that the Mitsuda reaction to Mycobacterium leprae can be mediated by lymphocytes responsive to Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
A positive Mitsuda skin test for delayed type hypersensitivity to Mycobacterium leprae is associated with a high level of protection against lepromatous leprosy, while the value of tuberculin sensitivity in leprosy is less pronounced. Cutaneous lymphocytes, isolated from the Mitsuda reaction of a PPD-positive individual not previously exposed to M. leprae, were cloned with Dharmendra lepromin and analysed for antigen specificity. Thirteen lepromin-responsive cell lines were derived, with greater than 95% certainty that the number of true clones was at least five and the number of functionally monoclonal lines at least seven. All lepromin-responsive clones proliferated in response to PPD as well, implying that PPD-responsive cells can fulfill the helper T cell function required for the in vivo Mitsuda reaction.
Roberts
P P
PP
Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK.
Dockrell
H M
HM
McAdam
K P
KP
D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000276:immunology*; D002460:Cell Line; D002999:Clone Cells / Q000276:immunology; D000939:Epitopes / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007428:Intradermal Tests; D008297:Male; D009166:Mycobacterium leprae / Q000276:immunology*; D009169:Mycobacterium tuberculosis / Q000276:immunology*; D012867:Skin / Q000276:immunology; D012882:Skin Tests; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D014374:Tuberculin Test
D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D000939:Epitopes