Effect of T-cell depletion on bacterial multiplication and pattern of nerve damage in M. leprae-infected mice

Various mechanisms for nerve damage in tuberculoid leprosy have been proposed. A common feature amongst them is the crucial role played by T-cells. Therefore, the present study was designed to determine the role of T-cells in the induction of nerve damage in leprosy using two different protocols for obtaining graded levels of T-cell depletion: (i) Cyclosporine A, for depletion of T-helper cells and (ii) Anti Thy 1.2, for total depletion of T-cells. The findings indicate that the early changes seen in the unmyelinated fibres may not involve T-cells. However, the later stages of nerve damage associated with demyelination are dependent on T-cell responses.