Naito M, Matsuoka M, Ohara N, Nomaguchi H, Yamada T
Department of Oral Bacteriology, Nagasaki University School of Dentistry, Sakamoto 1-7-1, Nagasaki, Japan.
Vaccine. 1999 Dec 10;18(9-10):795-8. doi: 10.1016/s0264-410x(99)00327-8.
The proteins in culture filtrate derived from Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) were examined for protection against infection by Mycobacterium leprae. Immunization with the major secreted proteins, antigen 85 complex (Ag 85) A, B and C, induced effective protective immunity against multiplication of M. leprae in the foot pads of mice. The most effective protection was observed when mice were immunized with Ag 85A. A single immunization with Ag 85 could induce antigen-specific interferon gamma (IFNgamma) synthesis and more effective protection than live BCG vaccine. This study demonstrates that Ag 85 is an important immunoprotective molecule against leprosy infection.
