In vitro studies on the effect of levamisole in lepromatous leprosy

Our previous studies have demonstrated a defective macrophage response to M. leprae in lepromatous leprosy patients. In the present study we report the restoration of Fc receptor and HLA-DR antigen expression as well as antigen specific macrophage-lymphocyte interaction on treatment with levamisole in vitro. These results indicate that levamisole activates the macrophages which in turn results in an improved cell mediated immune response in lepromatous leprosy. This may also be applicable in other disease situations.