Development and pre-clinical assessment of a 73Â kD chimeric fusion protein as a defined sub-unit vaccine for leprosy

► We produce a chimeric fusion protein incorporating selected Mycobacterium leprae antigens. ► We demonstrate protein recognition by IgG in MB leprosy patient sera. ► We demonstrate that fusion protein stimulates IFNγ production. ► We elicit a pluripotent Ag-specific Th1 response by including a TLR4L- adjuvant. ► We show immunization inhibits M. leprae-induced inflammation in mice.