PMID: 8590567Sep 1, 1995Paper

Functions of T-cell subsets and cytokines in mycobacterial infections

The European Respiratory Journal. Supplement
M E Munk, M Emoto

Abstract

Phagocytosed M. tuberculosis either multiply inside the endocytic compartment of mononuclear phagocytes or they are destroyed by the host cell. Due to this macrophage-shelter (ab)used by mycobacteria, tuberculosis is controlled by the cellular immune response. Protection against mycobacteria depends on alpha/beta T-cells expressing the CD4 or CD8 phenotype. T-cell-mediated immunity amplifies macrophage capacities to kill and digest the bacilli. Specific alpha/beta T-cells produce several cytokines that attract and activate macrophages and additional lymphocytes, such as: interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) which has the capacity to activate several antimicrobial properties of macrophages; tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) a key cytokine involved in granuloma formation; interleukins 2, 6 and 8 (IL-2; IL-6 and IL-8); and interleukin 12 (IL-12), a candidate cytokine for the induction of Th1 cells. Furthermore, CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells display cytotoxic activity, which permits them to control mycobacterial growth through destruction of the infected cells. Escaping bacteria are subsequently ingested and destroyed by surrounding macrophages activated by T-cells. There is evidence to associate gamma/delta T-cells with antimycobacterial i...Continue Reading

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