What is the Life cycle of leprosy also how does the bacteria cause the disease and how does the immune system specifically and non specifically respond?

Leprosy, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, has a life cycle that begins with transmission through respiratory droplets or skin contact, leading to infection primarily in the skin, peripheral nerves, and mucous membranes. Once inside the body, the bacteria invade and replicate within macrophages, evading the immune response. The immune system responds specifically by activating T cells that target the infected cells, while non-specific responses include the recruitment of macrophages and inflammation to contain the infection. However, in some cases, the bacteria can suppress the immune response, leading to the characteristic skin lesions and nerve damage associated with leprosy.