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What happens when Schwann cells are exposed to Mycobacterium leprae - A systematic review
Lara Machado de Oliveira Brügger1, Marina Monnerat Lemos Dos Santos1, Flavio Alves Lara2
1Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Brazil.
Abstract:
Mycobacterium leprae, the pathogen that causes human leprosy, has a unique affinity for infecting and persisting inside Schwann cells, the principal glia of the peripheral nervous system. Several studies have focused on this intricate host-pathogen interaction as an attempt to advance the current knowledge of the mechanisms governing nerve destruction and disease progression. However, during the chronic course of leprosy neuropathy, Schwann cells can respond to and internalize both live and dead M. leprae and bacilli-derived antigens, and this may result in divergent cellular pathobiological responses. This may also distinctly contribute to tissue degeneration, failure to repair, inflammatory reactions, and nerve fibrosis, hallmarks of the disease. Therefore, the present study systematically searched for published studies on M. leprae-Schwann cell interaction in vitro to summarize the findings and provide a focused discussion of Schwann cell dynamics following challenge with leprosy bacilli.
Insights
Mycobacterium leprae, the cause of leprosy, interacts uniquely with Schwann cells. This interaction influences nerve damage and disease progression in leprosy neuropathy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Infectious Diseases
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Mycobacterium leprae is the causative agent of leprosy.
- Leprosy neuropathy involves Schwann cells, the primary glia of the peripheral nervous system.
- Schwann cells exhibit a unique affinity for M. leprae infection and persistence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review in vitro studies of M. leprae-Schwann cell interactions.
- To summarize findings on Schwann cell responses to M. leprae.
- To discuss Schwann cell dynamics in the context of leprosy pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search for in vitro studies.
- Analysis of M. leprae-Schwann cell interactions.
- Focused discussion on Schwann cell pathobiology.
Main Results:
- Schwann cells internalize both live and dead M. leprae and their antigens.
- M. leprae interaction can lead to divergent Schwann cell responses.
- These responses contribute to nerve degeneration, inflammation, and fibrosis.
Conclusions:
- Understanding M. leprae-Schwann cell interactions is crucial for leprosy research.
- Divergent Schwann cell responses to M. leprae influence disease progression.
- Further research into these interactions may reveal therapeutic targets.
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