Immunological and endocrinological characteristics of tuberculosis that provide opportunities for immunotherapeutic intervention. NLM AIDSLINE Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1999. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

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Immunological and endocrinological characteristics of tuberculosis that provide opportunities for immunotherapeutic intervention.

Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/99134961
Rook GA; Hernandez-Pando R

Abstract: Immunity to tuberculosis requires a T helper 1 (Th1) response which can be compromised by excessive release of inflammatory cytokines or Th2 activity. Environmental saprophytes can protect against tuberculosis by inducing Th1 recognition of the common antigens, or make mice more susceptible to tuberculosis than unimmunized controls by evoking a Th2 response. A mixed Th1 + Th2 response increases the local toxicity of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). Some saprophytes are potent immunogens. A killed preparation of Mycobacterium vaccae can cause systemic activation of spontaneously Th1 cytokine-secreting cells in humans, and can non-specifically suppress pre-existing IgE formation and interleukin 5 (IL-5) production in murine models of allergy. These effects, and the Th2-inducing effects of other species, may explain the variable efficacy of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin, and suggest the need for new approaches to the screening of vaccines before trial in humans. The balance of Th1
990530
A9950902

Copyright © 1999 - National Library of Medicine. Reproduced under license with the National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD.

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