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Active tuberculosis is characterized by an antigen specific and strictly localized expansion of effector T cells at the site of infection
Author(s) -
Nemeth Johannes,
Rumetshofer Rudolf,
Winkler HeideMaria,
Burghuber Otto C.,
Müller Catharina,
Winkler Stefan
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
european journal of immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.272
H-Index - 201
eISSN - 1521-4141
pISSN - 0014-2980
DOI - 10.1002/eji.201242678
Subject(s) - biology , immunology , antigen , effector , immune system , mycobacterium tuberculosis , cytotoxic t cell , t cell , chemokine , cytokine , chemokine receptor , il 2 receptor , tuberculosis , in vitro , medicine , pathology , biochemistry
Mycobacterium tuberculosis ( MTB )‐specific cytokine responses in the peripheral blood and at the site of infection may differ significantly within the same individual, but the under‐lying T ‐cell subset changes are largely unknown. Here, we measured effector and memory T ‐cell markers on CD 4+ T cells ( CD 45 RO , cysteine chemokine receptor ( CCR )7, and CD 27) in peripheral blood and at the site of active tuberculosis ( TB ). Additionally, T cells were stimulated overnight with purified protein derivative ( PPD ) and early secretory antigenic target ( ESAT )‐6 to determine which T ‐cell subset produces MTB ‐specific interferon ( IFN )‐γ. A striking decrease in CCR 7 and CD 27 expression on T cells was noted at the site of active TB . Likewise, IFN ‐γ expressing, ESAT ‐6 specific CD 4+ CD 45 RO + CD 27− T cells were dramatically increased at the site of infection but were not detectable in peripheral blood. An antigen‐specific expansion of differentiated T cells at the site of active TB infection was poorly reflected in peripheral blood. Insight in these changes in MTB ‐specific effector T cells in different compartments of the body could lead to new approaches for immune‐based diagnosis and interventions.