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Updated: May 23, 2026

An Automated Culture System for Use in Preclinical Testing of Host-Directed Therapies for Tuberculosis
Published on: August 16, 2021
Biologic therapy and risk of infection
Rachel Gordon1, Rana Mays, Hung Doan
1Center for Clinical Studies, Houston, TX, USA.
Abstract:
Biologic compounds are being used more frequently to treat a multitude of systemic inflammatory conditions. These novel compounds are composed of antibodies or other peptides that act through one of three mechanisms: inhibiting inflammatory cytokine signaling (typically tumor necrosis factor or TNF), inhibiting T-cell activation, or depleting B-cells. The increase in use and ever expanding list of new immune modulating therapies make knowledge of the infectious complications associated with immune modulation even more important. Of particular concern is the risk for developing atypical and opportunistic infections including tuberculosis, herpes zoster, Legionella pneumophila, and Listeria monocytogenes.
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