SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Immune correlation”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

PubMed2003

Correlates of immunity for pneumococcal conjugate vaccines.

The purpose of the NIAID/FDA joint workshop, "correlates of immunity for pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs)," was to discuss the present understanding of protective immunity against invasive pneumococcal disease and identify in vitro measures that may represent immunologic correlates in future clinical trials. Animal and clinical data support functional antibody as the basis for protection, but IgG antibody concentration has conventionally been the principle immunologic parameter for non-inferiority comparisons. No consensus for a pre-defined threshold antibody level was reached. Affinity maturation may contribute to protection, but its role has not been established. Opsonophagocytic activity, avidity and immunologic memory are important secondary measures to characterise functional antibody and long-term protective responses. Immunologic memory may also be useful for evaluation of new vaccine serotypes. More definitive qualitative and quantitative immunogenicity criteria for use by National Control Authorities still need to be established.

Antibodies, Bacterial↗

PubMed1993

Humoral aspects of anti-HIV immune responses in Zairians with AIDS: lower antigenemia does not correlate with immune complex levels.

Serological patterns of anti-HIV immune responses of 150 HIV-infected (65 asymptomatic, 19 ARC, 66 AIDS) and 150 HIV-negative healthy Zairians were studied to determine the clinical significance of p24 antigen, and anti-p24 antibody, particularly in relation to p24 relative binding capacity (RBC) and circulating immune complexes (CICs). Levels of p24 antigen, anti-p24 antibody titers, and p24 RBC were evaluated by means of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Circulating immune complexes were measured by C1q-binding assay. Human immunodeficiency virus CICs were detected by polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation followed by 6 M guanidinium lysis, ELISA, Western blot, or radioimmunoprecipitation of the lysed precipitates. Immunoglobulin levels for IgG, IgM, IgA, and beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-M) were quantified in all study participants by laser nephelometry and ELISA. All immunoglobulin levels were significantly elevated among HIV-positive vs. HIV-negative individuals. Immunoglobulin levels correlated well with disease progression among infected patients. Similarly, beta 2-M levels were significantly higher in HIV-positive vs. HIV-negative individuals and correlated well with progression to AIDS. Free p24 antigen in serum was detected in 1.33% of all patients. However, p24 reactivity increased to 6% (9 of 150 cases) after PEG precipitation and CIC dissociation. There was a good correlation between p24 reactivity and disease development. High titers of anti-p24 antibody (> 44,100) occurred in at least 80% of all patients, and did not correlate with disease stage. Similarly, more than 60% of patients had high levels of p24 RBC.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed2026

Investigation of Fatty Acid Metabolism-Associated Molecular CPOX and the Underlying Mechanism in Follicular Lymphoma.

Dysregulated lipid metabolism is a key driver of follicular lymphoma (FL). This study aimed to explore the lipid metabolism-related genes (LMRGs) and clarify the underlying roles and mechanisms in FL. Bioinformatics methods, including differential analysis, WGCNA, machine learning, and Mendelian randomization, were utilized to select the LMRGs in FL. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were conducted to investigate the function of the key LMRG. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of the key gene CPOX. A pan-cancer analysis investigated CPOX's expression level and immune correlations. In vitro experiments using FL cell lines (WSU-FSCCL, DOHH2) validated CPOX expression, and CPOX knockdown in DOHH2 cells was used to assess its impact on viability, migration, invasion, and fatty acid metabolism. CPOX was confirmed to be a risk factor, significantly overexpressed in FL, and exhibited effective diagnostic ability in FL (AUC = 0.731). Functional analysis linked CPOX to mitochondrial function, oxidative phosphorylation, and heme metabolic process. Pan-cancer indicated the dysregulated CPOX across multiple cancers and closely correlation with immune characteristics. Experimentally, CPOX was higher in the more invasive DOHH2 cells; and CPOX knockdown suppressed FL progression and reduced lipid droplet formation, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and free fatty acid levels. In conclusion, this study fills the gap in understanding the significance of lipid metabolism-related molecules in FL, and innovatively proposes that CPOX is a risk factor for FL. Knockdown of CPOX inhibits the FL progression, which is regulated by fatty acid metabolism.

Lymphoma, Follicular↗

PubMed2002

Enhanced humoral immune response correlates with improved disease-free and overall survival in American Joint Committee on Cancer stage II melanoma patients receiving adjuvant polyvalent vaccine.

PURPOSE: Although the improved overall survival (OS) of patients who receive Canvaxin (CancerVax Corp, Carlsbad, CA) polyvalent vaccine (PV) immunotherapy for metastatic melanoma has been correlated with cellular and humoral immune responses, the mechanisms of vaccine immunotherapy for early-stage melanoma are unclear. Specific immune responses to tumor-associated antigens might correlate with disease-free survival (DFS) and OS in patients receiving adjuvant PV therapy for primary melanoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighty-three patients received PV plus bacille Calmette-Guérin after wide excision of American Joint Committee on Cancer stage II melanoma. Humoral and cellular responses during the first 12 weeks of adjuvant immunotherapy were assessed by serum antibody titers to a tumor-associated 90-kd glycoprotein antigen (TA90) expressed by PV, and by delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) skin testing with PV (PV-DTH). RESULTS: At a median follow-up period of 46.6 months (range, 10.7 to 93.6 months), an increased PV-DTH response seemed to be associated with improved 5-year DFS (54% v 20%) and 5-year OS (75% v 60%), but the correlations were not statistically significant. Anti-TA90 immunoglobulin (Ig) M levels > or = 1:800 were significantly correlated with improved 5-year DFS and improved 5-year OS, and multivariate analysis identified anti-TA90 IgM as an independent prognostic factor for OS and DFS. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that an increased IgM response in patients receiving PV therapy for stage II melanoma is associated with decreased recurrence and improved survival.

Antibody Formation↗

PubMed2000

[Immune paralysis of T-lymphocytes and monocytes in postoperative abdominal sepsis. Correlation of immune function with survival].

In vitro functions of stimulated peripheral T cells and monocytes were investigate in patients experiencing sepsis following major visceral surgery. Cell culture supernatants were analyzed by ELISA for IL-2, IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-10, TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, and IL-12p40. In addition, monocyte HLA class II expression was determined by flow cytometry. T cell secretion of IL-2, TNF-alpha, and in part IFN-gamma (but not IL-4) was significantly diminished in non-survivors throughout the entire course of sepsis, compared to controls and sepsis survivors. Production of IL-1 beta and IL-12 p40 by monocytes was strongly reduced in both survivors and non-survivors at the onset of sepsis. Persistence of depressed monocyte cytokine secretion correlated with lethality. Thus, overall suppression of cytokine production by T cells and monocytes was already observed at the beginning of postoperative sepsis. HLA class II expression by monocytes exhibited a strong and sustained down-regulation with no significant differences between sepsis survivors and non-survivors. In summary, suppression of both T cell and monocyte functions develops early during postoperative sepsis. Recovery of immune functions and severity of immune defects are associated with outcome.

Cytokines↗

PubMed1999

Correlation of immunity in experimental syphilis with serum-mediated aggregation of Treponema pallidum rare outer membrane proteins.

We have previously shown by freeze-fracture electron microscopy that serum from infection-immune syphilitic rabbits aggregates the low-density membrane-spanning Treponema pallidum rare outer membrane proteins (TROMPs). The purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship could be demonstrated between acquired immunity in experimental rabbit syphilis, serum complement-dependent treponemicidal antibody, and antibody directed against TROMPs as measured by the aggregation of TROMP particles. Three groups of T. pallidum-infected rabbits were treated curatively with penicillin at 9 days, 30 days, and 6 months postinfection to generate various degrees of immunity to challenge reinfection. Sera from rabbits completely susceptible to localized and disseminated reinfection possessed a low titer of treponemicidal antibody (</=1:1 in killing >/=50% of a treponemal suspension) and showed a correspondingly low level of TROMP aggregation (16.5% of the total number of outer membrane particles counted) similar to normal serum controls (13. 4%); the number of particles within these aggregates never exceeded three. Sera from partially immune rabbits, which were susceptible to local reinfection but had no evidence of dissemination, showed an increase in the titer of treponemicidal antibody (1:16) compared to the completely susceptible group (</=1:1). Although no significant increase was observed in the total number of TROMP particles aggregated (18.9%) compared to the number in controls (13.4%), approximately 15% of these aggregates did exhibit a significant increase in the number of particles per aggregate (4 to 5 particles) compared to controls (</=3 particles), indicating a measurable increase in anti-TROMP antibody. Finally, sera from rabbits completely immune to both local and disseminated reinfection possessed both high titers of treponemicidal antibody (1:128) and significant aggregation of TROMP (88.6%); approximately 50% of these aggregates contained four to six particles. The results indicate that complete immunity in experimental rabbit syphilis correlates with antibody that kills T. pallidum and aggregates TROMPs, suggesting that TROMPs are molecules which contribute to the development of acquired immunity.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Vasectomy: study of circulating immune-complexes and its correlation with antisperm immunity in man, with a twelve-month follow-up study.

Circulating immune-complexes (CIC) have been detected in sera of vasectomized subjects using the Clq Binding Assay. Results seem to indicate that CIC are a feature of the early post-operative period and a consequence of acute immunization against sperm antigens. The progressive disappearance of CIC from the third month after vasectomy with the simultaneous increase in antisperm antibody percentage and titre suggests that CIC could be a temporary feature in vasectomized men and do not lead to a chronic disease, related to a Type III immune reaction.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

HCV and tumors correlated with immune system: a case-control study in an area of hyperendemicity.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a RNA virus that cannot be integrated with the host genome; it can, however, exert its oncogenetic potential indirectly by contributing to the modulator effects of the host immune system, probably through a capacity to elude the immune system. We have carried out a case controlled study on tumors correlated with the immune system (multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Hodgkin disease) and HCV, in a high prevalence area. The relationship between each cancer and HCV infection was assessed by means of odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Risks were greater for B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (OR=3.7, 95%CI, 1.9-7.4, P=0.0001) and multiple myeloma (OR=4.5, 95%CI, 1.9-10.7, P=0.0004). Our study is particularly important for public health, since it shows that during the coming years in the South of Italy, because of the high prevalence of HCV, there are good reasons to expect not only an increase of liver cancer, but also an increased incidence of great number of tumors correlated with the immune system.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1995

Psychosocial correlates of immune responsiveness and illness episodes in US Air Force Academy cadets undergoing basic cadet training.

This study examined psychosocial correlates of immune function and illness in 89 male first-year US Air Force Academy cadets. A psychosocial questionnaire was administered to cadets prior to their arrival at the academy and was readministered during cadet orientation and during the stressful environment of Basic Cadet Training (BCT). Immune responsiveness was analyzed by PHA-, PMA-, or anti-CD3-stimulated thymidine uptake in mononuclear leucocytes. Illness episodes were assessed via medical chart review and self-reported symptoms. There were significant increases in distress levels as cadets entered BCT. No psychosocial measure assessed prior to arrival at the academy predicted level of PHA-, PMA-, and anti-CD3-stimulated thymidine uptake or risk of illness. However, hostility levels reported during BCT predicted risk of illness in the four weeks following psychosocial assessment (odds ratio = 7.1; 95% confidence interval: 1.4-36.1). Elevated response to environmental stressors and lower well-being levels also predicted impending illness, but only in the cohort of cadets who had not contracted food poisoning prior to assessment during BCT (OR = 9.3, CI = 1.9-46.7; OR = 0.09, CI = 0.02-0.53). These results suggest that self-report measures of hostility, response to environmental stressors and well-being may be useful predictors of impending illness episodes in males encountering high stress environments.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed1998

Relationship between plasma IGF-I levels, in vitro correlates of immunity, and human senescence.

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) is a polypeptide mitogen which is regulated by growth hormone (GH). IGF-I mediates many of the biological functions of GH, including the maintenance of lymphoid mass and functions. Since GH secretion declines with age, we asked whether changes in the availability of IGF-I might contribute to age-associated alterations in immune functions. As a first step, we examined relationships between plasma levels of IGF-I and in vitro correlates of immunity in young and elderly subjects. Heparinized plasma and lymphocytes were collected from the peripheral blood of 34 healthy young (aged 27 +/- 0.9 years, mean +/- SEM) and 41 elderly (79 +/- 1.3 years) volunteers (31 males and 44 females in total). Plasma levels of IGF-I, measured by radioimmunoassay after the removal of IGF-I-binding proteins, were reduced among elders compared to young controls (138 +/- 8.7 ng/mL vs 80.2 +/- 4.7 ng/mL, P < 0.001). The number of circulating lymphocytes did not change with age. The proliferative response ([3H]thymidine uptake into DNA) of T-cells to concanavalin A and B-cells to pokeweed mitogen were reduced among elders (P < 0.05). An increased spontaneous antitumor natural killer (NK) activity (P < 0.001) was accompanied by a higher percentage of CD16(+) NK cells among lymphocytes in older subjects (P < 0.001). The NK cell number was positively related to IGF-I levels in young volunteers but not among elders. Correlation analysis demonstrated a highly significant relationship between plasma IGF-I levels and T-cell (but not B-cell) proliferative response during aging (r = 0.492, P < 0.001). Our results imply that reduced immunocompetence may be one of the consequences of reduced IGF-I levels in human aging. Among the three types of immune cells tested, the T-cells were most sensitive to fluctuations in IGF-I levels. Reduced IGF-I availability may be one of the determinants of the decline in T-cell-mediated immune function in the elderly. To our knowledge, this is the first report presenting correlative data on concurrent changes in IGF-I levels and immune parameters in human aging.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Immune activation correlates better than HIV plasma viral load with CD4 T-cell decline during HIV infection.

This study addressed the role of T-cell immune activation in determining HIV-1 plasma viral load and CD4+ T-cell blood levels during HIV-1 infection. A decrease of blood CD4 levels and CD4/CD8 ratios and an increase of CD8 levels in both treated (n = 35) and untreated (n = 19) HIV-positive individuals were more strongly correlated to immune activation (log percentage of HLA-DR+CD3+ cells; R = -0.78, R = -0.77, and R = 0.58, respectively; p <.0001) than to CD4 T-cell proliferation (log percentage of Ki-67+CD4+ cells; R = -0.57 [p <.0001], R = -0.48 [p <.001], and R = 0.37 [p <.01], respectively) or to viral load (R = -0.36 [p <.01], R = -0.23 [p =.09], R = 0.13 [p =.35], respectively). Because almost half of the Ki-67+CD4+ cells were also positive for CTLA-4 (a marker for activated nonproliferating cells), the correlation of CD4 levels to Ki-67 expression is only partially related to cell proliferation and more likely represents mainly immune activation of the cells without proliferation. Taken together, these results suggest that immune activation is the major determinant of CD4 decline and should therefore be considered central for the monitoring of HIV infection and its outcome after antiviral treatment.

CD3 Complex↗

PubMed2001

In vitro correlate of immunity in a rabbit model of inhalational anthrax.

A serological correlate of vaccine-induced immunity was identified in the rabbit model of inhalational anthrax. Animals were inoculated intramuscularly at 0 and 4 weeks with varying doses of Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed (AVA) ranging from a human dose to a 1:256 dilution in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). At 6 and 10 weeks, both the quantitative anti-protective antigen (PA) IgG ELISA and the toxin-neutralizing antibody (TNA) assays were used to measure antibody levels to PA. Rabbits were aerosol-challenged at 10 weeks with a lethal dose (84-133 LD(50)) of Bacillus anthracis spores. All the rabbits that received the undiluted and 1:4 dilution of vaccine survived, whereas those receiving the higher dilutions of vaccine (1:16, 1:64 and 1:256) had deaths in their groups. Results showed that antibody levels to PA at both 6 and 10 weeks were significant (P<0.0001) predictors of survival.

Administration, Inhalation↗

PubMed2006

IL-7Ralpha expression on CD4+ T lymphocytes decreases with HIV disease progression and inversely correlates with immune activation.

Many factors can influence the rate of HIV disease progression, including those that maintain T cell homeostasis. One key homeostatic regulator is the IL-7 receptor (IL-7R). Previous studies have shown IL-7R expression levels decrease in HIV infection, but effects on memory subtypes, CD4(+) T cells, and cell function have not been explored. The present study examined the expression of the IL-7Ralpha chain on naïve and memory T lymphocyte subsets of both HIV-positive and HIV-negative individuals from Nairobi, Kenya to assess the role of IL-7Ralpha in HIV disease. Expression of IL-7Ralpha was significantly reduced in all CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell subsets in HIV-positive individuals. This reduction was further enhanced in those with advanced HIV progression. Expression of IL-7Ralpha was inversely correlated to immune activation, and apoptosis, and was positively correlated with CD4 count in both bivariate and multivariate analysis. Expression of IL-7Ralpha did not correlate with HIV viral loads, indicating the elevated immune activation seen in HIV-infected individuals may be impacting expression of IL-7Ralpha, independent of viral loads. Signaling via the IL-7R is essential for T cell homeostasis and maintenance of T cell memory. Reduction of this receptor may contribute to the homeostatic disruption seen in HIV.

Apoptosis↗

PubMed1986

Anti-C1q affinity isolated circulating immune complexes correlate with extra-articular rheumatoid disease.

Circulating immune complexes (CIC) were isolated from sera of 35 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by a two-step method using 2% polyethylene glycol precipitation and anti-C1q affinity chromatography. By this method CIC were exclusive to 19 patients with vasculitis, nodules, or Sjögren's syndrome. Levels of CIC did not correlate with the severity of synovitis but reflected the extent of extra-articular disease. Furthermore, in four patients with persistent severe synovitis observed over a period of 4 to 16 months, the levels of CIC paralleled changes in extra-articular disease. Despite such additional evidence, whether the relationship between CIC and tissue injury is causative or consequential remains unresolved.

Aged↗

PubMed1988

Immunization of mice against blood-stage Plasmodium yoelii malaria with isoelectrically focused antigens and correlation of immunity with T-cell priming in vivo.

Mice were immunized with lethal Plasmodium yoelii blood-stage malaria antigens that had been fractionated by isoelectric focusing using a variety of Ampholines over the range pH 3 to 10. Fractions were tested for their ability to protect against live challenge and to prime for parasite-specific T-cell help. Both activities exhibited three major peaks in the pH regions 4.5, 6.5, and 8, the pH 4.5 peak being the most consistently protective. There was a significant correlation between protection and T-helper-cell priming, particularly with antigens from the first peak, suggesting that T-cell priming represents an important component of the function of some protective malaria vaccines.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Cytokine and immunoglobulin concentrations in cervical secretions: reproducibility of the Weck-cel collection instrument and correlates of immune measures.

Elucidation of local immune response at the cervix is important for understanding and evaluating STD vaccine approaches currently being proposed. However, no well-validated method exists for the collection of cervical secretions for evaluation of cervical immune response. The purpose of this study was to determine the reproducibility of the Weck-cel sponge used to collect cervical secretions for immunological assessment. Additionally, it was possible to examine correlates of immunity as part of our investigation. Two cervical secretion specimens were collected sequentially from each of 120 women using Weck-cel sponges. Cervical secretions were collected prior to Pap smear sampling to avoid blood contamination. At the laboratory, the duplicate specimens were weighed and tested in replicate wells to determine the concentration of two cytokines (IL-10 and IL-12) and two immunoglobulin isotypes (IgG and IgA). IL-12, total IgG, and total IgA showed a strong correlation between samples from the same woman ranging from 0.78 to 0.84. Kappa coefficients obtained after categorizing assay results ranged from 0.62 to 0.67. Variance components analysis suggested that 69% to 85% of the variance observed was accounted for by between-women variance, with the remaining variability attributed to variation between samples collected from the same woman. IL-10 results were less reproducible than those obtained from the other assays examined, suggesting problems with the assay used to measure this cytokine rather than with the Weck-cel sampling instrument. Various factors were found to significantly correlate with cytokine and immunoglobulin measures at the cervix. Age and reproductive status were associated with all four immune measures; women over 50 years of age and those who were postmenopausal had increased concentrations of IL-10, IL-12, IgG, and IgA. Hemoglobin concentrations were positively correlated with IgG and IL-10 concentrations, but not with IgA or IL-12 concentrations, suggesting local production of IgA and IL-12. The concentration of all immune measures decreased with increasing volume of collection. No significant association was observed between time from collection to freezing of specimens and concentrations of cytokines or immunoglobulins. Overall, our data suggest that measurement of immunological parameters in cervical secretions collected using Weck-cel sponges are reproducible. In addition, various correlates of cytokine and immunoglobulin concentrations were identified.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Correlates of immunity to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) associated-hospitalization: establishment of minimum protective threshold levels of serum neutralizing antibodies.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) specific, serum antibody titers correlate with protection against RSV associated-hospitalization at all ages. DESIGN: Participants who were enrolled in a trial to determine the frequency of specific virus infections associated with hospitalization [J. Am. Med. Assoc. 283 (2000) 499] were included in our analysis if they were enrolled from July 1991 to June 1993, had a culture for virus isolation, and provided blood samples at hospitalization and 14-60 days later. RSV infection was defined by a positive culture and/or serology. Microneutralization, ELISA to the fusion (F) protein and Western blot were the serological assays that were used to determine correlates of immunity. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy-five individuals, 1 month to 89 years old, out of 538 patients hospitalized with an acute respiratory infection met the criteria for analysis. RSV associated-hospitalization occurred in 11 (40.7%) of 27 infants (<1 year), 8 (38.1%) of 21 young children (1 to <5 years), and 15 (11.8%) of 127 children and adults (> or =5 years). At the time of hospitalization, geometric mean neutralizing antibody titers (log(2)) to RSV/A and RSV/B, and geometric mean binding antibody titer (log(2)) to F protein were significantly higher in patients with non-RSV associated-hospitalization compared to those with RSV associated-hospitalization (RSV/A: 7.9 versus 6.1, P<0.001; RSV/B: 9.4 versus 7.3, P<0.001; ELISA-F, 13.9 versus 12.6, P=0.01). For every 1 log(2) increase in titer of neutralizing antibodies to RSV/A and RSV/B, and binding antibody to F protein there was a significant increase in the likelihood of not having an RSV associated-hospitalization by 22.3, 25, and 24.4% respectively. A minimal protective threshold titer of > or =6.0 (odds ratio 3.5; 95% CI 1.4-9.1) and > or =8.0 log(2) (odds ratio 2.9; 95% CI 1.1-7.7) against RSV associated-hospitalization was established for neutralizing antibodies to RSV/A and RSV/B; a threshold titer could not be established for binding antibody to F protein. CONCLUSION: Participants with naturally acquired serum neutralizing antibody levels at least equal to the minimal protective threshold titer were approximately three times more likely not to have an RSV associated-hospitalization. We speculate that achieving a minimal protective threshold antibody titer through active immunization will significantly reduce RSV associated-hospitalization among all ages.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

Local immune responses correlate with presentation and outcome in tuberculosis.

Local cellular immune responses may affect presentation and outcome in tuberculosis (TB). To investigate this hypothesis, we performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on 30 patients with untreated pulmonary tuberculosis and assessed the type of cellular inflammatory response and cytokine production. We then correlated BAL findings and cytokine production with clinical findings. We also performed BAL on a subset of patients to examine changes in cytokine production by BAL cells over time. We found that at presentation patients with less clinically and radiographically advanced TB (smear-negative, noncavitary disease) had a local immune response characterized by a predominance of lymphocytes. Furthermore, BAL cells from these patients secreted interferon (IFNgamma), and not Interleukin-4, suggesting a Th 1-type lymphocytic response. In patients with smear-positive and/or cavitary disease, macrophages or polymorphonuclear leukocytes were the predominant BAL cell type, but with treatment and clinical improvement these patients went on to recruit IFNgamma producing cells to the lung. We conclude that the type of cellular immune response that occurs locally in the lung may affect presentation and outcome in pulmonary TB, and an understanding of the development of this response may lead to insights into pathogenesis and novel therapies for TB.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗