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Production of interleukin-18 in human tuberculosis
R Vankayalapati1, B Wizel, S E Weis
1Center for Pulmonary and Infectious Disease Control, University of Texas Health Center, Tyler, TX 75708-3154, USA. rvankaya@uthct.edu
The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|July 7, 2000
Summary
Interleukin-18 (IL-18) plays a crucial role in tuberculosis immunity. Lower IL-18 production in tuberculosis patients suggests impaired protective responses, highlighting IL-18
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Tuberculosis Research
Background:
- Tuberculosis remains a significant global health challenge.
- The role of specific cytokines, like interleukin-18 (IL-18), in anti-mycobacterial immunity requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function of IL-18 in human tuberculosis.
- To assess IL-18 production in patients with active tuberculosis.
Main Methods:
- Evaluation of IL-18 and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from tuberculosis patients and healthy controls.
- Analysis of cytokine levels in pleural fluid.
- In vitro experiments using anti-IL-18 and recombinant IL-18 to modulate IFN-gamma production.
Main Results:
- PBMC from tuberculosis patients produced less IL-18 and IFN-gamma upon Mycobacterium tuberculosis stimulation compared to healthy individuals.
- Alveolar macrophages secreted IL-18 in response to M. tuberculosis.
- Elevated IL-18 and IFN-gamma levels were observed in the pleural fluid of tuberculosis patients.
Conclusions:
- IL-18 production by PBMC correlates with IFN-gamma production and effective immunity against tuberculosis.
- IL-18 appears to contribute to a protective type 1 cytokine response in mycobacterial infections.
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