Antisphingolipid antibodies in the sera of leprosy patients.

Earlier we reported the presence of significant levels of antigalactocerebroside (GalC) antibodies in the sera of leprosy patients. This study corroborates the above result and also gives evidence for the presence of antibodies to the nonpolar ceramide (Cer) moiety of GalC. AntiCer antibody titres were higher as compared to antiGalC antibodies in all categories of leprosy. The specificity of antibodies directed to the Cer moiety was confirmed using Lactosyl-BSA and neutralization assays. Statistically significant and positive correlations were observed between antiGalC and antiCer antibodies. Responsiveness factors were computed using natural logarithmic transformation of the variables.