Generation of cytolytic T cells in individuals infected by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and vaccinated with BCG.

Abstract

CD4+ cytolytic T cells can lyse autologous macrophages presenting mycobacterial antigen and were found in patients with cavitating pulmonary tuberculosis or tuberculous lymphadenitis and in normal, Mantoux positive control subjects. The ability to generate these T cell responses seems to be a marker for response to mycobacteria and may contribute to tissue damage in tuberculosis. These responses do not provide protective immunity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis but may help in disease localisation.