Suppression of ADCC by immune complexes formed in vitro in Mycobacterium leprae-infected mice.

Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) was assessed in mice infected experimentally with Mycobacterium leprae and injected simultaneously with in vitro-formed immune complexes (IC). Significant decrease in the ADCC function was observed in animals given IC at zero day (0dIC) and 3 months (3mIC) post inoculation with M. leprae, when ADCC activity was assessed at 3, 6 and 9 months period. From the data obtained we believe that ADCC is suppressed by IC formed in vitro.