[HLA and leprosy].

Although there is now accumulating evidence that the host response to Mycobacterium leprae is genetically controlled, the nature of the genetic component is still imprecise. Case-control studies as well as family studies, in various populations, have shown that HLA linked factors confer susceptibility to tuberculoid leprosy and lepromatous leprosy respectively. Recently, associations between Gm allotypes and the disease have also been reported. Further studies of the familial cosegregation of the different forms of leprosy together with the HLA and Gm markers may permit a better understanding of the underlying genetic mechanisms.