Seroreactivity of cytosolic proteins of Mycobacterium leprae separated by two dimensional gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting

Mycobacterium leprae components might have several immunogenic proteins which may be useful in the development of new epidemiological and diagnostic tools. We have been investigating such new proteins by employing 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2D-GE) combined with immunoblotting. As an attempt in this direction, we have analysed cytosolic proteins of M. leprae. In our effort, we have found some antigens reacting specifically with serum samples from leprosy patients. These proteins need further characterisation.