Figure 6. Mechanism of nerve damage caused by type 2 leprosy reaction.

The mechanisms underlying the degradation of Schwann cells lead to subsequent nerve damage in individuals afflicted with leprosy. Neutrophils play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of erythema nodosum leprosum by generating a substantial amount of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-8 (IL-8), which are closely linked to the induction of tissue damage. This observation is consistent with the established role of CD64 in promoting the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

This figure was created by FN, one of the authors of this article, with Biorender.com.