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Published on: July 11, 2015
IFNγ/TNFα specific-cells and effector memory phenotype associate with active tuberculosis
Elisa Petruccioli1, Linda Petrone, Valentina Vanini
1Translational Research Unit, Department of Epidemiology and Preclinical Research, "L. Spallanzani" National Institute for Infectious Diseases (INMI), IRCCS, Via Portuense 292, 00149 Rome, Italy.
The Journal of Infection
|March 7, 2013
Summary
Polyfunctional T-cells, specifically bifunctional IFNγ(+) TNFα(+) CD4(+) T-cells with effector memory phenotype, are linked to active tuberculosis (TB). Central memory phenotype T-cells are associated with latent TB infection (LTBI) and cured TB.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Tuberculosis Research
Background:
- The role of polyfunctional T-cells in tuberculosis (TB) pathogenesis remains controversial.
- Understanding Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb)-specific immune responses is crucial for TB diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize Mtb-specific T-cell responses, including cytokine production and memory phenotype, in patients at different TB stages.
- To assess the specificity of these responses using cytomegalovirus (CMV) as an unrelated antigen.
Main Methods:
- Enrolled subjects with active TB, latent TB infection (LTBI), and cured TB.
- Stimulated whole blood with Mtb "RD1" proteins (ESAT-6, CFP-10) and CMV antigen.
- Characterized T-cell cytokine and phenotype profiles using multi-parametric flow cytometry.
Main Results:
- Bifunctional IFNγ(+) TNFα(+) CD4(+) T-cells and effector memory phenotype significantly associated with active TB compared to LTBI.
- Central memory phenotype T-cells characterized "RD1"-T-cell response in cured TB and LTBI.
- CMV antigen response showed no association with TB-specific status, confirming specificity.
Conclusions:
- Qualitative associations identified between Mtb-specific T-cell functional capacity, memory status, and TB status.
- These immune correlates may aid in tracing the natural history of TB.
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