Open AccessImmunoregulation in TB: Observations and Implications
Author(s) -
Ellner Jerrold J.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
clinical and translational science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.303
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 1752-8062
pISSN - 1752-8054
DOI - 10.1111/j.1752-8062.2010.00180.x
Subject(s) - immunosuppression , immune system , bronchoalveolar lavage , immunology , medicine , inflammation , tuberculosis , disease , lung , pathology
Regulation of the immune response during active tuberculosis (TB) has been partly deciphered. In pulmonary TB there is transient systemic immunosuppression due to overexpression of transforming growth factor beta and interleukin‐10. This is superimposed on a primary T‐cell defect. Locally there is intense inflammation (lung, pleural fluid) with overexpression of immunosuppressive factors (bronchoalveolar lavage) and extensive apoptosis. These observations suggest that immune therapies should be aimed at neutralizing the negative regulatory factors rather than accentuating an already intense immune response. Also a partially effective vaccine carries the potential risk of exacerbating disease. Clin Trans Sci 2010; Volume 3: 23–28