| Title | How does Mycobacterium leprae target the peripheral nervous system? |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2000 |
| Authors | Rambukkana A |
| Journal | Trends Microbiol |
| Volume | 8 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pagination | 23-8 |
| Date Published | 2000 Jan |
| ISSN | 0966-842X |
| Keywords | Cytoskeletal Proteins, Dystroglycans, Humans, Laminin, Leprosy, Membrane Glycoproteins, Mycobacterium leprae, Myelin Sheath, Peripheral Nerves, Peripheral Nervous System Diseases, Protein Isoforms, Protein Structure, Tertiary, Schwann Cells |
| Abstract | Mycobacterium leprae has the capacity to invade the peripheral nervous system and cause neuropathy. The molecular mechanisms responsible have remained unknown until recently. Identification of the endoneurial laminin-2 isoform and its receptor alpha-dystroglycan as neural targets of M. leprae has not only opened up a new area of scientific inquiry into the pathogenesis of neurological damage in leprosy, but has also revealed unexpected biological properties of these important host molecules. |
| Alternate Journal | Trends Microbiol. |
| PubMed ID | 10637640 |
| Grant List | R0I A145816 / / PHS HHS / United States |
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