A New Model for Studying the Effects ofMycobacterium lepraeon Schwann Cell and Neuron Interactions

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Abstract
Millions of patients with leprosy suffer from nerve damage resulting in disabilities as a consequence of Mycobacterium leprae infection. However, mechanisms of nerve damage have not been elucidated because of the lack of a model that maintains M. leprae viability and mimics disease conditions. A model was developed using viable M. leprae rat Schwann cells, and Schwann cell–neuron cocultures incubated at 33°C. M. leprae retained 56% viability in Schwann cells for 3 weeks after infection at 33°C, compared with 3.6% viability at 37°C. Infected Schwann cells had altered morphology and expression of genes encoding cellular adhesion molecules at 33°C but were capable of interacting with and myelinating neurons. Cocultures, infected after myelination occurred, showed no morphological changes in myelin architecture after 1 month of incubation at 33°C, and M. leprae retained 53% viability. This article describes a new model for studying the effects of M. leprae on Schwann cells

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