@article{7323,
  keywords = {Antigens, Bacterial, BCG Vaccine, Dendritic Cells, Humans, Immunodominant Epitopes, leprosy, Macrophages, Membrane Proteins, Mycobacterium bovis, Mycobacterium leprae, T-Lymphocytes, Vaccines, Synthetic},
  author = {Makino M},
  title = {[Identification of an immunodominant antigen of Mycobacterium leprae and its application for the development of protective measures].},
  abstract = {<p>Host defense against Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae) is chiefly conducted by cellular immunity. The adaptive immunity plays an important role, and T cells are activated through recognition of some immunodominant antigens of M. leprae. A search for an immunodominant antigen was carried out using human peripheral monocytes-derived dendritic cells and M. leprae-derived cell membrane fraction which is the most antigenic fraction of the bacteria, and Major Membrane Protein (MMP)-II was found as one of the immunodoninant antigens. The MMP-II highly stimulated both dendritic cells and macrophages to produce various cytokines. Further, MMP-II was recognized by T cells in vivo in patients infected with M. leprae. Then, we constructed a recombinant BCG secreting MMP-II. The recombinant BCG strongly stimulated both naive CD4+ and naive CD8+ T cells, and seemed to be a useful immunostimulatory agent.</p>},
  year = {2006},
  journal = {Nihon Hansenbyo Gakkai zasshi = Japanese journal of leprosy : official organ of the Japanese Leprosy Association},
  volume = {75},
  pages = {279-83},
  month = {2006 Sep},
  issn = {1342-3681},
  language = {jpn},
}