Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 3, 2026

A 3D Human Lung Tissue Model for Functional Studies on Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection
Published on: October 5, 2015
[Immune responses of tuberculosis patients]
Insights
Tuberculosis immunity involves Th1 cytokines, but Th2 cells, identified by IL-4, were found in TB patients. Gamma delta T cells decreased, yet showed varied responses to PPD.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Context:
- Tuberculosis (TB) immunity is linked to Th1 cytokine profiles.
- Experimental models show Th2 components can impair immunity and cause disease pathology.
Purpose:
- To investigate the presence of Th2 cells in peripheral blood of TB patients.
- To analyze gamma delta (γδ) T cell populations and function in TB.
Summary:
- Interleukin-4 (IL-4) producing Th2 cells were detected in both CD4+ and CD4- T cells in TB patients.
- A decrease in Vγ9-expressing γδ T cells was observed in TB patients.
- Some Vγ9+ γδ T cells from TB patients exhibited enhanced proliferative responses to purified protein derivative (PPD) compared to controls.
Impact:
- Findings suggest a potential role for Th2 cells in TB pathogenesis.
- The altered γδ T cell dynamics in TB warrant further investigation to fully elucidate their function in the disease.
Abstract:
Immunity to tuberculosis (TB) required a Th1 pattern of cytokine release. In experimental models even a minor Th2 component abrogates immunity, and leads to an immunopathology that mimics the human disease. There to determine if Th2 cells are present in a peripheral blood, we analyzed the intracellular IL-4 using a flow cytometer. IL-4 producing cells were founded in CD4+ and CD4- Tells. Moreover, we studied about gamma delta (gamma delta) T cells in TB patients. V gamma 9-expressing gamma delta T cells were decreased in patients. However, the proliferative response to PPD by V gamma 9-expressing gamma delta T cells from some patients were higher levels compared with controls. The roles of gamma delta T cells of TB were not yet revealed completely.
Related Concept Videos
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
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...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
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 V
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the progression...
Tuberculosis

