Differential Organization of the Local Immune Response in Patients with Active Cavitary Tuberculosis or with Nonprogressive Tuberculoma

Abstract

We conclude that differential regulation of the local immune response is crucial for the containment of M. tuberculosis and that a continuous antigen-specific cross talk between the host immune system and M. tuberculosis is ensured during latency. This activation requires sufficient supply of nutrients and well-coordinated structural organization, both of which are lost during reactivation of TB.