Role of interleukin-22 in tuberculosis patients

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Infectious Diseases
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Tuberculosis (TB) progression hinges on the interplay between microbial virulence and host immune responses, particularly T cell-mediated immunity.
• Interleukin-22 (IL-22) is implicated in host defense against microbial diseases, aiding cell proliferation and regeneration.
• The specific role of IL-22 in TB pathogenesis remains debated, despite its presence in granulomas.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and compare serum levels and gene expression of IL-22 in TB patients versus healthy controls.
• To clarify the contradictory findings on IL-22's role in tuberculosis.

Main Methods:

• Serum IL-22 levels were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
• IL-22 gene expression was assessed via SYBR green-based quantitative PCR.
• The study included 87 TB patients and 85 healthy subjects.

Main Results:

• Serum IL-22 levels were significantly lower in TB patients (median 18.55 pg/mL) compared to controls (median 49.38 pg/mL).
• Conversely, IL-22 gene expression was significantly upregulated in TB patients (fold change 29.44).

Conclusions:

• A significant decrease in serum IL-22 contrasts with its upregulated gene expression in TB patients.
• IL-22 appears to play a critical role in tissue modulation during tuberculosis infection.