title: Immunological and functional characterization of Mycobacterium leprae protein antigens: an overview.
abstract: A major focus of leprosy research in the last 10 years has been the identification and characterization of antigens of Mycobacterium leprae that interact with antibodies and T cells of the host's immune response. Through the combined efforts of many different laboratories, a substantial number of protein antigens have been identified and characterized. In this MicroReview we present an updated list of M. leprae protein antigens, and, with emphasis on recent developments, summarize what is known regarding their functional and immunological features.
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunohaematology and Blood Bank, Leiden University Hospital, Netherlands.
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Thole
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Wieles
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Clark-Curtiss
authors.forename: T H
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Ottenhoff
authors.forename: T F
authors.initials: TF
authors.lastname: Rinke de Wit
mesh_terms: D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000145:classification / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007918:Leprosy / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology; D009166:Mycobacterium leprae / Q000276:immunology*; D012698:Serologic Tests; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000942:Antigens, Bacterial