Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (M. leprae-Specific Antigens)

Stimulation of whole blood or peripheral blood mononuclear cells with M. leprae-unique antigens, measuring interferon-gamma release. It detects cell-mediated responses, which are strongest in tuberculoid and paucibacillary disease.

Technology

Host Response · Cellular immunology

What it measures

IFN-γ response to ML89, ML2478, MLSA and related antigens

Developer

Academic groups, including Leiden University Medical Center (the Netherlands), the Federal University of Goiás and Fiocruz (Brazil)

Specimen

Venous blood

Development status

LDT with clinical validation

Regulatory status

None / RUO

Intended use

Detection of cell-mediated response to M. leprae in paucibacillary and tuberculoid disease

Main limitation

Cross-reacts with M. tuberculosis and BCG, and needs fresh, living lymphocytes.

Linked publications

45

Collaborating institutions

IDRI, now AAHI (Seattle, WA, USA), London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (UK), Colorado State University (Fort Collins, CO, USA), Armauer Hansen Research Institute (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)

TPP-1, confirming leprosy

25.5 of 100, low alignment

TPP-2, infection in contacts

16.5 of 100, low alignment

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