Active tuberculosis is characterized by an antigen specific and strictly localized expansion of effector T cells at the site of infection

作者：Nemeth Johannes; Rumetshofer Rudolf; Winkler Heide Maria; Burghuber Otto C; Mueller Catharina; Winkler Stefan^*

来源：European Journal of Immunology, 2012, 42(11): 2844-2850.

DOI：10.1002/eji.201242678

• effector T cell
• memory T cell
• tuberculosis

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB)-specific cytokine responses in the peripheral blood and at the site of infection may differ significantly within the same individual, but the under-lying T-cell subset changes are largely unknown. Here, we measured effector and memory T-cell markers on CD4+ T cells (CD45RO, cysteine chemokine receptor (CCR)7, and CD27) in peripheral blood and at the site of active tuberculosis (TB). Additionally, T cells were stimulated overnight with purified protein derivative (PPD) and early secretory antigenic target (ESAT)-6 to determine which T-cell subset produces MTB-specific interferon (IFN)-?. A striking decrease in CCR7 and CD27 expression on T cells was noted at the site of active TB. Likewise, IFN-? expressing, ESAT-6 specific CD4+CD45RO+CD27- T cells were dramatically increased at the site of infection but were not detectable in peripheral blood. An antigen-specific expansion of differentiated T cells at the site of active TB infection was poorly reflected in peripheral blood. Insight in these changes in MTB-specific effector T cells in different compartments of the body could lead to new approaches for immune-based diagnosis and interventions.

• 出版日期2012-11