ABSTRACT
Leprosy continues to be an important health issue in several endemic countries. The global incidence of this disease is greater than 200,000 new cases detected annually. This number has remained relatively stable during the past eight years, indicating ongoing transmission. The elimination of this disease, remains - a challenge for clinicians and scientists. Since leprosy is an infectious disease, the immune system plays an essential role in its development and progression. The unique immune response in each individual is due to the interaction of various cytokine products, both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Interleukin-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, plays a vital role in the immunity and pathogenesis of leprosy. Evidence suggests that interleukin-10 plays a cruicial roles in the clinical manifestation and progression of the disease in all subtypes of leprosy. An understanding of the biomolecular aspects of this disease is imperative and may lead to the discovery of new treatment-modalities and/or more effective prevention methods.