Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026

A 3D Human Lung Tissue Model for Functional Studies on Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection
Published on: October 5, 2015
Tumour Necrosis Factor-alpha Production and Immune Cell Activation in Tuberculous Meningitis
C M Mastroianni1, F Paoletti, C Valenti
1Institute of Infectious Diseases University ‘La Sapienza’ Policlinico Umberto I Viale Regina Elena 331 Rome 00161 Italy.
Abstract:
The local production of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) was evaluated in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from ten patients with tuberculous meningitis (TBM). The degree of intrathecal immune activation was also studied by assessing the CSF levels of beta(2)-microglobulin (beta(2)-M) and adenosine deaminase activity (ADA). Results indicate that elevated CSF concentrations of TNFalpha, beta(2)-M and ADA were found in all TBM patients. Moreover, TNFalpha is produced and selectively concentrated for a long period of time, while beta(2)-M and ADA values progressively decline during the course of TBM. Our findings suggest that in TBM patients, after an early activation of immune cells, there is an enhanced and continuous production of TNFalpha at the site of infection.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Tuberculosis
Pulmonary Tuberculosis II
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
T Cell Types and Functions
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
The Tumor Microenvironment

