# IMMUNOLOGIC STUDIES IN LEPROSY

> **NIH NIH R01** · ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE · 1988 · $17,211

## Abstract

This represents a collaborative program for the study of the immunology of
leprosy and leishmania.  Dr. Convit's wide experience in both diseases and
unique clinical research program in developing immunotherapeutic and
immunoprophylactic trials in leprosy patients and in patients with diffuse
cutaneous leishmaniasis provide a unique clinical and experimental resource
for these immunologic studies.  The aims of this proposal are to develop an
understanding of the mechanism of the selective unresponsiveness underlying
lepromatous leprosy and diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis, and in particular
in characterizing suppressor cells and antigen presentation in these
patients.  Changes in these immunologic functions upon immunotherapy will
be studied.  A second aim will be to define the cytocidal mechanisms of
macrophages required for killing the respective causative organisms,
particularly oxidative cytocidal mechanisms, and examining the lesions
across the spectrum of these diseases to analyze for defects in killing.
In addition, the role of macrophages in producing tissue damage in leprosy
and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis will be explored.  Finally, sero- and
cellular epidemiologic studies will be carried out using monoclonal
antibodies to specific antigens of the pathogen and suppressor assays to
identify individuals at high risk in a contact population for developing
lepromatous leprosy, and for assessing the immunological changes brought
about by vaccine.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3129615
- **Project number:** 3R01AI020111-05S1
- **Recipient organization:** ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
- **Principal Investigator:** BARRY R. BLOOM
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1988
- **Award amount:** $17,211
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 1983-09-01 → 1988-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3129615

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3129615, IMMUNOLOGIC STUDIES IN LEPROSY (3R01AI020111-05S1). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3129615. Licensed CC0.

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