CD8 T Cells and Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Infection

Overview

Journal Semin Immunopathol

Publisher Springer

Specialties Allergy & Immunology
Pathology

Date 2015 Apr 29

PMID 25917388

Citations 122

Authors

Philana Ling Lin

JoAnne L Flynn

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Tuberculosis is primarily a respiratory disease that is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. M. tuberculosis can persist and replicate in macrophages in vivo, usually in organized cellular structures called granulomas. There is substantial evidence for the importance of CD4 T cells in control of tuberculosis, but the evidence for a requirement for CD8 T cells in this infection has not been proven in humans. However, animal model data support a non-redundant role for CD8 T cells in control of M. tuberculosis infection. In humans, infection with this pathogen leads to generation of specific CD8 T cell responses. These responses include classical (MHC Class I restricted) and non-classical CD8 T cells. Here, we discuss the potential roles of CD8 T cells in defense against tuberculosis, and our current understanding of the wide range of CD8 T cell types seen in M. tuberculosis infection.

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