Expression of mycobacterial antigens on murine dissociated Schwann cells infected with Mycobacterium leprae.

Mycobacterial antigens were detected in a cell surface ELISA on murine dissociated Schwann cells infected with Mycobacterium leprae. The time kinetics of expression and its refractoriness to modulation with monensin suggests that the antigens are likely to be integrated into the membrane during bacterial entry. This may be partially responsible for the defective Schwann cell functions leading to subsequent peripheral nerve damage.