Endogenously Activated Interleukin-4 Differentiates Disease Progressors and Non-Progressors in Tuberculosis Susceptible Families: A 2-Year Biomarkers Follow-Up Study

Document Type

Article

Department

Pathology and Microbiology

Abstract

Objective:Dynamic cytokine profiles from endogenously activated T cells in transit from lymph node to the infected sites via the blood compartment after recent exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis may differentiate disease progressors from non-disease progressors in a BCG-vaccinated population.

Methods:

Household contacts (N = 107) from families with (six families) or without (14 families) secondary cases were assessed for Types 1 and 2 cytokines serially in plasma of whole blood cultures without exogenous stimulation. "ARMS" PCR was carried out for detection of single nucleotide polymorphism T/A in IFN-gamma +874.

Results:

In the absence of IFN-gamma expansion, raised IL-4 at 6 months was associated with disease progression in TB-susceptible families. Resistant families on the other hand showed overrepresentation of IFN-gamma +874 A allele and expansion of IFN-gamma secreting cells at 6 months followed by contraction at 12 months.

Conclusion:

Six months may be an important checkpoint for biomarker assessment in high-risk individuals post-exposure.

Publication (Name of Journal)

Journal of Clinical Immunology

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