[The importance of the protein antigens of Mycobacterium leprae. Their potential use for the development of a vaccine against leprosy].

The purpose of this review is to describe M. leprae antigenic structures that are considered relevant for the development of a vaccine. Other biological elements presently utilized in vaccination and immune therapy against leprosy are also reviewed, and the possibility of having in the future an effective vaccine obtained at low cost through molecular biology recombinant techniques. This review also describes some epidemiological and control aspects of leprosy within the general framework of the importance of this disease.