02316nas a2200241   4500000000100000008004100001260004600042653001900088653002400107653001200131653001400143653002200157100001400179700001200193700001300205700001500218245006000233856013300293300001200426490000700438520160400445022002502049       2025                            d  bOvid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)10aAutoantibodies10aAutoimmune Diseases10aleprosy10aM. leprae10aMolecular Mimicry1 aPathak VK1 aSingh I1 aSingh SV1 aSengupta U00aUnderstanding Autoimmune Response Mechanisms in Leprosy  uhttps://journals.lww.com/idoj/_layouts/15/oaks.journals/downloadpdf.aspx?trckng_src_pg=ArticleViewer&an=01630814-202509000-00002  a709-7160 v163 a<p>Leprosy is a persistent granulomatous disease that occurs due to Mycobacterium leprae infection. Leprosy primarily affects peripheral nerves, skin, and mucous membranes. Reactions in leprosy are immunological complications that may occur at any stage of disease progression, irrespective of treatment status. This review explores the potential link between M. leprae infection and autoimmune responses, emphasizing the role of immune dysregulation in leprosy reactions. We have delineated a comprehensive exploration of reactions in leprosy within the framework of autoimmunity, drawing insights from previously documented research. Biotic elements, including bacteria, might be associated with an imbalance in the host’s homeostatic mechanism, leading to an autoimmune response. Mycobacteria have been reported for their potential to modulate host immune responses in both humans and experimental animal models. Pathogens can induce autoimmunity via molecular mimicry during the initiation of the disorder, and they may promote chronic pathologies with inflammation and/or superantigens, prompted by the loss of immunological tolerance to self-antigens, which can lead to systemic or organ-specific damage. Autoimmune manifestations in leprosy are triggered by the impairment of the regulatory mechanisms of the host due to M. leprae infection. Leprosy reactions are influenced by autoimmune processes triggered by M. leprae infection. Understanding the immunological interactions between the pathogen and the host may provide insights into disease management and therapeutic strategies.</p>
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