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Production of a suppressor factor by CD8+ lymphocytes activated by mycobacterial components

G Sussman1, A A Wadee

  • 1Department of Immunology, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa.

Infection and Immunity
|August 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

Mycobacterium tuberculosis lipids activate CD8+ lymphocytes, triggering the release of suppressor molecules. These carbohydrate-containing molecules inhibit lymphocyte blastogenesis, suggesting a novel immune evasion mechanism.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Microbiology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) employs complex mechanisms to evade host immune responses.
  • Understanding the interaction between mycobacterial components and host immune cells is crucial for developing effective treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of high-molecular-mass components from M. tuberculosis extracts.
  • To elucidate the mechanism by which these components affect lymphocyte proliferation.

Main Methods:

  • Fractionation of M. tuberculosis extracts using Sephacryl S.200 chromatography.
  • Activation of CD8+ lymphocytes and assessment of lymphocyte blastogenesis.
  • Analysis of suppressor molecules using SDS-PAGE and Western immunoblotting.

Main Results:

  • High-molecular-mass lipid components (>200 kDa) from M. tuberculosis activate CD8+ lymphocytes.
  • Activated CD8+ lymphocytes release suppressor molecules, peaking at 24 hours.
  • Active suppressor molecules are carbohydrate moieties (122-148 kDa).

Conclusions:

  • M. tuberculosis lipids activate CD8+ suppressor lymphocytes, leading to immune suppression.
  • This activation results in the release of carbohydrate-containing molecules that inhibit lymphocyte blastogenesis.
  • This suggests a mechanism of immune evasion by M. tuberculosis through modulation of host immune cells.

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