The Turing Foundation - Leprosy elimination

Below is a list of leprosy projects up to July 2007. An overview of recent projects can be found on our leprosy project page.

Older leprosy projects:

January 2011	Research on immunopathology of leprosy, 2^ndphase, 2011 The leprosy bacterium (M.leprae) knows a high affinity for Schwann cells, which are cells that create a protective... more	January 2011	Research on treatment of early neuropathy in leprosy 2011 The TENLEP Research Consortium (Treatment of Early Neuropathy in Leprosy) is a large international association in which 14... more
January 2011	Research on identification of innate and adaptive immune biomarkers 2011-2013 This LUMC (Leiden University Medical Centre) research gives more insight into certain immune... more	July 2010	Research on immunopathology of leprosy 2010-2011 The leprosy bacterium has a high affinity for Schwann cells - cells that form a protective layer around nerves... more
January 2010	Research on treatment of early neuropathy in leprosy 2010 The TENLEP Research Consortium (Treatment of Early Neuropathy in Leprosy) is a large international association in which 14... more	January 2010	Research on identification of innate and adaptive immune biomarkers 2010 This LUMC (Leiden University Medical Centre) research gives more insight into certain immune pathological... more
October 2009	Main Supporter IDEAL consortium (Initiative for Diagnostic and Epidemiological Assays for Leprosy) 2009 This consortium of thirty Leprosy research groups will develop immunological tests in the coming years... more	July 2009	Field Projects Leprosy Control, Cambodia 2009 The Leprosy Foundation works together with the CIOMAL organisation on Leprosy control in Cambodia. The quality of diagnostics is a... more
July 2009	Field Projects Leprosy Control, Laos 2009 In Laos leprosy occurs mostly among minorities that are hard to reach. Mutilations are often severe and irreparable if the... more	July 2009	Research on immunopathology of leprosy 2009 The leprosy bacterium has a high affinity for Schwann cells - cells that form a protective layer around nerves... more
October 2008	Research on immunopathology of leprosy 2008 The leprosy bacterium has a high affinity for Schwann cells - cells that form a protective layer around nerves... more	July 2008	Main Supporter IDEAL consortium (Initiative for Diagnostic and Epidemiological Assays for Leprosy) 2008 This consortium of thirty Leprosy research groups will develop immunological tests in the coming years... more
May 2008	Field Projects Leprosy Control, Cambodia 2008 The Leprosy Foundation works together with the CIOMAL organisation on Leprosy control in Cambodia. The quality of diagnostics is a... more	May 2008	Field Projects Leprosy Control, Laos 2008 In Laos leprosy occurs mostly among minorities that are hard to reach. Mutilations are often severe and irreparable if the... more
September 2007	Research on immunopathology of leprosy 2007 The leprosy bacterium has a high affinity for Schwann cells - cells that form a protective layer around nerves... more	March 2007	Projects to cure leprosy 2007 The Dutch Leprosy Foundation invests all over the world in projects that help diagnose and cure people who suffer from leprosy... more
2006	€1.000.000,- for the Dutch Leprosy Foundation The Dutch Leprosy Foundation has devoted itself for forty years to creating a world in which the permanent suffering, caused by leprosy, is no longer existent... more		Project Overview on World Map


Scientific Research
	Research on immunopathology of leprosy, 2^ndphase, 2011 The leprosy bacterium (M.leprae) knows a high affinity for Schwann cells, which are cells that create a protective layer around peripheral nerves. A team of the Leiden University Medical Centre is researching the processes that may lead to the damaging of Schwann cells and nerves, and the lifelong handicaps that result from that damage. For some time now, an effective treatment of the leprosy bacterium has been available, consisting of an antibiotics cocktail. Unfortunately, for some people the treatment is accompanied with severe immune responses that cause irreparable nerve damage anyway. It is thought that sometimes, a leprosy bacterium in a Schwann cell is destroyed, after which the Schwann cell could be damaged or even killed by immune cells (T cells) because they respond to the leprosy bacterium's tiny residue (peptides). It could be one of the mechanisms that are involved in causing of nerve damage due to leprosy. Based on models from previous research involving mice, LUMC researchers think that certain T-cell types are an important link in the process, yet are uncertain about its exact nature and functioning. Now, new research will be conducted to determine which immune cells (and which products they produce, such as signal molecules and cytokines) play a part in the damaging of Schwann cells and nerves with lepers. Researchers think a dysregulation of immune responses to the M.leprae bacterium is responsible for the uncontrolled inflammatory and defensive responses that are characteristic for leprosy. They also predict the unravelling of the mechanisms involved will lead to the identification and development of new methods to treat or even prevent responses in leprosy. Another thing that is very important for the identification of biomarkers for an early diagnosis or prediction of responses in leprosy, as well as for the development of new treatments and improvement of the prevention of responses in leprosy, is a better understanding of the mechanisms of the nerve damage that is so common with responses in leprosy, and the immune cells and substances responsible for it. The study is aimed at understanding these immunopathological mechanisms, in the hope its results can be used in the development of new strategies for the prediction, detection, and prevention of nerve damage in leprosy. In the period from 2011-2014, the Turing Foundation will contribute €150,000 to this study; €26,250 of which will be donated in 2011. Previously, the Turing Foundation contributed €337,500 to phase I of this research. see also: LUMC: other projects Leprastichting: other projects Researching the immunopathology of leprosy
	Research on treatment of early neuropathy in leprosy 2011 The TENLEP Research Consortium (Treatment of Early Neuropathy in Leprosy) is a large international association in which 14 researchers from renowned research institutes all over the world work together, combining their expertise in the field of leprosy-related inflammation of the nerves. TENLEP Trial is a large-scale research project focussing on nerve damage caused by leprosy. Its central research questions are: 1. To what extent can treatment of sub-clinical nerve damage reduce the number of patients with permanent nerve function impairments? 2. What is the most effective treatment for patients who have a clinical nerve function impairments? A random double blind research method was designed to find the answers to these questions, including two integrated trials. In these trials, a corticosteroid treatment of sub-clinical nerve damage will be tested (during sixteen weeks and six months). Dependent on the type of nerve damage, patients will participate in one of the two trials. Subsequently, all patients will be categorized randomly into a group getting treatment and a group receiving a placebo. The effect of the leprosy treatment will be measured within 6, 12, and 18 months after it has started. Various advanced electronic devices, measuring factors such as nerve conductivity and sense of temperature, will be used to monitor the effect of treatment as meticulously as possible. Apart from that, the measuring will be done by means of an activity scale. A comparison between the results of the groups getting either treatment or a placebo must make clear which type of treatment reduces the risk of permanent nerve damage as much as possible. The research will be conducted in the Netherlands, England and the largest leprosy endemic countries (Indonesia, India, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Brasil and Ethiopia). The Turing Foundation contributes € 800,000 to this research project between 2009 and 2013 (approx. 50% of the total research budget). see also: TENLEP research consortium: other projects mycobacterium leprae
	Research on identification of innate and adaptive immune biomarkers 2011-2013 This LUMC (Leiden University Medical Centre) research gives more insight into certain immune pathological mechanisms. These new insights will shed light on the immunopathogenesis of leprosy and the leprosy reactions that lead to nerve damage. In such way strategies can be developed for the prevention and detection of nerve damage caused by leprosy. Techniques for detecting and diagnosing leprosy in an early stage are of great importance for the prevention of nerve damage. To enable the early diagnoses and prediction of certain reactions, the LUMC research aims to gain more insight into the role different cell types - such as macrophages and T-cells (which have many different sub sets) and the signal substance they produce (such as cytokines)- play in the development of nerve damage in case of leprosy and leprosy reactions. The LUMC research team is able to isolate and generate various types of these (new) human cellular sub sets, making it possible to study the processes that can lead to nerve damage elaborately. LUMC's theory is that the activation of certain cell types, such as the T-cells that play a role in inflammation diseases (so-called th17 cells) is a main element in this process. Too little is now known about the exact nature and working of these mechanisms, cell types and factors in the human body. The Turing Foundation contributes a sum of € 260,000 (50%) to the costs of the research, which will run from 2010 to 2013. see also: LUMC: other projects immune biomarkers
	Research on immunopathology of leprosy 2010-2011 Leprosy is a contagious disease, caused by infection with a bacterium. This bacterium has a great affinity for, amongst others, Schwann cells - cells that form a protective layer around peripheral nerves. A team of the Leiden University Medical Centre conducts scientific research in order to gain a deeper insight into the processes that can lead to damages to Schwann cells and nerves - and to the related lifetime handicaps. For some time now, an effective antibiotics cocktail treatment of the infection is possible. Some patients however show strong immune reactions to this treatment, which then still lead to irreparable nerve damages. It is assumed that a leprosy bacterium within a Schwann cell is sometimes destroyed, and that small fragments (peptides) of this bacterium are presented by the Schwann cell to T-cells (defence cells). In certain circumstances, these T-lymphocytes can damage or even kill the Schwann cell. It is possible that this is one of the mechanisms involved in causing nerve damages as a result of leprosy. The LUMC-researchers think - on the basis of models originating from research on mice - that certain types of T-cells are important links in the process, but their exact nature and operations are as yet insufficiently known. The research focuses on thrashing out these immuno-pathological mechanisms, in hopes that the results can be used to develop new strategies for forecasting, tracing and preventing nerve damages as a result of leprosy. The Turing Foundation contributes € 337,500 to this research, of which 75.000 in 2010. see also: Meer geld voor lepra onderzoek (Leprastichting) Turing Foundation financiert lepra-onderzoek in Leiden LUMC: other projects Leprastichting: other projects Leprosy in the spleen
	Research on treatment of early neuropathy in leprosy 2010 The TENLEP Research Consortium (Treatment of Early Neuropathy in Leprosy) is a large international association in which 14 researchers from renowned research institutes all over the world work together, combining their expertise in the field of leprosy-related inflammation of the nerves. TENLEP Trial is a large-scale research project focussing on nerve damage caused by leprosy. Its central research questions are: 1. To what extent can treatment of sub-clinical nerve damage reduce the number of patients with permanent nerve function impairments? 2. What is the most effective treatment for patients who have a clinical nerve function impairments? A random double blind research method was designed to find the answers to these questions, including two integrated trials. In these trials, a corticosteroid treatment of sub-clinical nerve damage will be tested (during sixteen weeks and six months). Dependent on the type of nerve damage, patients will participate in one of the two trials. Subsequently, all patients will be categorized randomly into a group getting treatment and a group receiving a placebo. The effect of the leprosy treatment will be measured within 6, 12, and 18 months after it has started. Various advanced electronic devices, measuring factors such as nerve conductivity and sense of temperature, will be used to monitor the effect of treatment as meticulously as possible. Apart from that, the measuring will be done by means of an activity scale. A comparison between the results of the groups getting either treatment or a placebo must make clear which type of treatment reduces the risk of permanent nerve damage as much as possible. The research will be conducted in the Netherlands, England and the largest leprosy endemic countries (Indonesia, India, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Brasil and Ethiopia). The Turing Foundation contributes € 800,000 to this research project between 2010 and 2013 (approx. 50% of the total research budget). see also: TENLEP research consortium: other projects A photomicrograph of M. leprae from a leprosy skin lesion
	Research on identification of innate and adaptive immune biomarkers 2010 This LUMC (Leiden University Medical Centre) research gives more insight into certain immune pathological mechanisms. These new insights will shed light on the immunopathogenesis of leprosy and the leprosy reactions that lead to nerve damage. In such way strategies can be developed for the prevention and detection of nerve damage caused by leprosy. Techniques for detecting and diagnosing leprosy in an early stage are of great importance for the prevention of nerve damage. To enable the early diagnoses and prediction of certain reactions, the LUMC research aims to gain more insight into the role different cell types - such as macrophages and T-cells (which have many different sub sets) and the signal substance they produce (such as cytokines)- play in the development of nerve damage in case of leprosy and leprosy reactions. The LUMC research team is able to isolate and generate various types of these (new) human cellular sub sets, making it possible to study the processes that can lead to nerve damage elaborately. LUMC's theory is that the activation of certain cell types, such as the T-cells that play a role in inflammation diseases (so-called th17 cells) is a main element in this process. Too little is now known about the exact nature and working of these mechanisms, cell types and factors in the human body. The Turing Foundation contributes a sum of € 260,000 (50%) to the costs of the research, which will run from 2010 to 2013. see also: LUMC: other projects immune biomarkers
	Main Supporter IDEAL consortium (Initiative for Diagnostic and Epidemiological Assays for Leprosy) 2009 The IDEAL consortium (Initiative for Diagnostic and Epidemiological Assays for Leprosy) consists of thirty Leprosy research groups, half of which is established in countries where leprosy still occurs. All research groups have a background in laboratory research and/or research involving patients in the field. All major research groups in the world engaged in this branch of leprosy research are members of IDEAL. The IDEAL consortium is oriented towards the development of immunological tests that can detect leprosy infections in an early stage. Apart from that, molecular tests are developed for gaining a better insight into the transmission of the leprosy bacterium. The ultimate goal is to find tests that can help prevent leprosy infections by the very early (before the illness has even manifested itself) diagnosis and treatment of leprosy. The partners discuss the results of experiments, exchange experiences and information, provide materials and protocols from individual research projects and perform experiments after mutual consultation and in accordance with a testing format agreed upon. This streamlines and accelerates the research process, and yields quicker results for leprosy elimination. Since the end of 2005, IDEAL has selected several candidates for both early diagnostics and transmission studies. A test will be developed between 2008 and 2010 that can critically identify leprosy infections in blood, and efforts will be made to enable the further identification of genetic markers on the leprosy bacterium. The markers can be used in transmission studies. After 2010, IDEAL aims to start a large-scale research project on leprosy prevention through (tailor-made) prophylactic treatment of leper contacts. The Turing Foundation contributes € 163,000 to this project in 2009. In total, the Turing Foundation contributes € 644,000 in the coming years (approx. 60% of the total project cost) towards the development of the above-mentioned tests. see also: IDEAL: other projects Koninklijk Instutuut voor de Tropen: other projects IDEAL - Initiative for Diagnostic and Epidemiological Assays for Leprosy
	Research on immunopathology of leprosy 2009 Leprosy is a contagious disease, caused by infection with a bacterium. This bacterium has a great affinity for, amongst others, Schwann cells - cells that form a protective layer around peripheral nerves. A team of the Leiden University Medical Centre conducts scientific research in order to gain a deeper insight into the processes that can lead to damages to Schwann cells and nerves - and to the related lifetime handicaps. For some time now, an effective antibiotics cocktail treatment of the infection is possible. Some patients however show strong immune reactions to this treatment, which then still lead to irreparable nerve damages. It is assumed that a leprosy bacterium within a Schwann cell is sometimes destroyed, and that small fragments (peptides) of this bacterium are presented by the Schwann cell to T-cells (defence cells). In certain circumstances, these T-lymphocytes can damage or even kill the Schwann cell. It is possible that this is one of the mechanisms involved in causing nerve damages as a result of leprosy. The LUMC-researchers think - on the basis of models originating from research on mice - that certain types of T-cells are important links in the process, but their exact nature and operations are as yet insufficiently known. The research focuses on thrashing out these immuno-pathological mechanisms, in hopes that the results can be used to develop new strategies for forecasting, tracing and preventing nerve damages as a result of leprosy. The Turing Foundation contributes € 337,500 to this research, that is to be concluded in 2010. see also: Meer geld voor lepra onderzoek (Leprastichting) Turing Foundation financiert lepra-onderzoek in Leiden LUMC: other projects Leprastichting: other projects "Immunopathology of leprosy: dissecting mechanisms of immune-mediated tissue damage in leprosy, and identification of new targets for intervention"
	Research on immunopathology of leprosy 2008 Leprosy is a contagious disease, caused by infection with a bacterium. This bacterium has a great affinity for, amongst others, Schwann cells - cells that form a protective layer around peripheral nerves. A team of the Leiden University Medical Centre conducts scientific research in order to gain a deeper insight into the processes that can lead to damages to Schwann cells and nerves - and to the related lifetime handicaps. For some time now, an effective antibiotics cocktail treatment of the infection is possible. Some patients however show strong immune reactions to this treatment, which then still lead to irreparable nerve damages. It is assumed that a leprosy bacterium within a Schwann cell is sometimes destroyed, and that small fragments (peptides) of this bacterium are presented by the Schwann cell to T-cells (defence cells). In certain circumstances, these T-lymphocytes can damage or even kill the Schwann cell. It is possible that this is one of the mechanisms involved in causing nerve damages as a result of leprosy. The LUMC-researchers think - on the basis of models originating from research on mice - that certain types of T-cells are important links in the process, but their exact nature and operations are as yet insufficiently known. The research focuses on thrashing out these immuno-pathological mechanisms, in hopes that the results can be used to develop new strategies for forecasting, tracing and preventing nerve damages as a result of leprosy. De Turing Foundation will contribute € 337,500 to this research in the coming years. see also: Meer geld voor lepra onderzoek (Leprastichting) Turing Foundation financiert lepra-onderzoek in Leiden LUMC: other projects Leprastichting: other projects Leprosy Research - Role of Newly Defined T-Cells
	Main Supporter IDEAL consortium (Initiative for Diagnostic and Epidemiological Assays for Leprosy) 2008 The IDEAL consortium (Initiative for Diagnostic and Epidemiological Assays for Leprosy) consists of thirty Leprosy research groups, half of which is established in countries where leprosy still occurs. All research groups have a background in laboratory research and/or research involving patients in the field. All major research groups in the world engaged in this branch of leprosy research are members of IDEAL. The IDEAL consortium is oriented towards the development of immunological tests that can detect leprosy infections in an early stage. Apart from that, molecular tests are developed for gaining a better insight into the transmission of the leprosy bacterium. The ultimate goal is to find tests that can help prevent leprosy infections by the very early (before the illness has even manifested itself) diagnosis and treatment of leprosy. The partners discuss the results of experiments, exchange experiences and information, provide materials and protocols from individual research projects and perform experiments after mutual consultation and in accordance with a testing format agreed upon. This streamlines and accelerates the research process, and yields quicker results for leprosy elimination. Since the end of 2005, IDEAL has selected several candidates for both early diagnostics and transmission studies. A test will be developed between 2008 and 2010 that can critically identify leprosy infections in blood, and efforts will be made to enable the further identification of genetic markers on the leprosy bacterium. The markers can be used in transmission studies. After 2010, IDEAL aims to start a large-scale research project on leprosy prevention through (tailor-made) prophylactic treatment of leper contacts. The Turing Foundation contributes € 644,000 in the coming years (approx. 60% of the total project cost) towards the development of the above-mentioned tests. see also: IDEAL: other projects Koninklijk Instutuut voor de Tropen: other projects IDEAL - Initiative for Diagnostic and Epidemiological Assays for Leprosy
	Research on immunopathology of leprosy 2007 Leprosy is a contagious disease, caused by infection with a bacterium. This bacterium has a great affinity for, amongst others, Schwann cells - cells that form a protective layer around peripheral nerves. A team of the Leiden University Medical Centre conducts scientific research in order to gain a deeper insight into the processes that can lead to damages to Schwann cells and nerves - and to the related lifetime handicaps. For some time now, an effective antibiotics cocktail treatment of the infection is possible. Some patients however show strong immune reactions to this treatment, which then still lead to irreparable nerve damages. It is assumed that a leprosy bacterium within a Schwann cell is sometimes destroyed, and that small fragments (peptides) of this bacterium are presented by the Schwann cell to T-cells (defence cells). In certain circumstances, these T-lymphocytes can damage or even kill the Schwann cell. It is possible that this is one of the mechanisms involved in causing nerve damages as a result of leprosy. The LUMC-researchers think - on the basis of models originating from research on mice - that certain types of T-cells are important links in the process, but their exact nature and operations are as yet insufficiently known. The research focuses on thrashing out these immuno-pathological mechanisms, in hopes that the results can be used to develop new strategies for forecasting, tracing and preventing nerve damages as a result of leprosy. De Turing Foundation will contribute € 337,500 to this research in the coming years. see also: Meer geld voor lepra onderzoek (Leprastichting) Turing Foundation financiert lepra-onderzoek in Leiden LUMC: other projects Leprastichting: other projects Leprosy Research - Role of Newly Defined T-Cells
Recovery Programs for Leprosy Patients
	Field Projects Leprosy Control, Cambodia 2009 The Leprosy Foundation works together with the CIOMAL organisation on Leprosy control in Cambodia. There the Leprosy Foundation focuses primarily on improving the quality of diagnostics, treatment, technical supervision and program management. In 2009 the Turing Foundation again contributes € 50,000 to the field programs of the Leprosy Foundation in Cambodia. see also: CIOMAL: other projects Leprastichting: other projects Workers are being trained in recognizing and preventing leprosy (Cambodia 2009)
	Field Projects Leprosy Control, Laos 2009 In the Lao People's Democratic Republic leprosy mainly occurs among minorities that are often hard to reach. Contamination is usually discovered only in a late stage, when mutilations are already severe and irreparable. One of the things the Leprosy Foundation devotes itself to in Laos is better registration and medical guidance of leprosy patients, examination of people whom leprosy patients have been in contact with, and trainings and courses for local health workers. Update 2010: In 2009 the Turing Foundation again contributed € 50,000 to the field programs of the Leprosy Foundation in Laos. Because of local irregularities, the Leprosy Foundation has had to put the project on hold and has returned the donation. see also: Leprastichting: other projects Leprosy Field Visit in Luang Namtha, Laos
	Field Projects Leprosy Control, Cambodia 2008 The Leprosy Foundation works together with the CIOMAL organisation on Leprosy control in Cambodia. There the Leprosy Foundation focuses primarily on improving the quality of diagnostics, treatment, technical supervision and program management. In 2008 the Turing Foundation contributes € 50,000 to the field programs of the Leprosy Foundation in Cambodia. see also: CIOMAL: other projects Leprastichting: other projects Leprosy patients in the Kien Klean revalidation centre in Phnom Penh, Cambodia (Photo: Nicole Slootweg)
	Field Projects Leprosy Control, Laos 2008 In the Lao People's Democratic Republic leprosy mainly occurs among minorities that are often hard to reach. Contamination is usually discovered only in a late stage, when mutilations are already severe and irreparable. One of the things the Leprosy Foundation devotes itself to in Laos is better registration and medical guidance of leprosy patients, examination of people whom leprosy patients have been in contact with, and trainings and courses for local health workers. In 2008 the Turing Foundation contributes € 50,000 to the activities of the Leprosy Foundation in Laos. see also: Leprastichting: other projects Leprosy control in Laos, 2008 (Photo Dr. Richard de Soldenhoff)
	Projects to cure leprosy 2007 The Dutch Leprosy Foundation invests all over the world in projects that help diagnose and cure people who suffer from leprosy: Angola, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, the Carribian, China, Ethiopia, Gambia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Madagascar, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Surinam, Thailand, Vietnam and Zambia. In 2007 the Turing Foundation contributes € 100.000,- in supports of these projects. see also: Leprastichting: other projects Leprosy Foundation, Nigeria, 2007
	€1.000.000,- for the Dutch Leprosy Foundation The Dutch Leprosy Foundation has devoted itself for forty years to creating a world in which the permanent suffering, caused by leprosy, is no longer existent and is finally eradicated. The Turing Foundation recognizes the dedication and the expertise of the Leprosy Foundation and saw such like-mindedness in their objectives that it decided to donate € 1.000.000,-. see also: 1 miljoen aan Leprastichting (Filantropie en Bestuur) Donatie van € 1.000.000,- voor de Leprastichting (Fondenwerving)/2007-03-01 Leprastichting: other projects Milou Halbesma presents €1,000,000 to Kommer Braber, manager of the Leprosy Foundation