Transcriptional changes that characterize the immune reactions of leprosy.

Background: Leprosy morbidity is increased by 2 pathologic immune reactions, reversal reaction (RR) and erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL).

Methods: To discover host factors related to immune reactions, global transcriptional profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cells were compared between 11 RR, 11 ENL, and 19 matched control patients, with confirmation by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Encoded proteins were investigated in skin biopsy specimens by means of immunohistochemistry.