Final answer:
In lepromatous leprosy, lesions would contain mRNA for IFN-gamma which is involved in activating macrophages and controlling infections like M. leprae.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a person has lepromatous leprosy, lesions would typically contain mRNA for cytokines like IFN-gamma (interferon-gamma) and lymphotoxin (LT). In Mycobacterium leprae infections, such as leprosy, Th1-type immune responses, characterized by the production of cytokines including IFN-gamma, are crucial for controlling the infection.
IFN-gamma plays a significant role in activating macrophages and facilitating the immune response to intracellular pathogens like M. leprae. However, lepromatous leprosy represents a state where the immune system fails to mount an effective Th1 response, and instead, Th2 cytokines prevail, contributing to disease progression and lesion formation.