Cellular immunity in current active pulmonary tuberculosis.
A group of 10 patients with recently diagnosed pulmonary TB were studied and compared to 10 bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) immunized healthy individuals. Cellular immune mechanisms were explored in vitro utilizing fresh and precultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells exposed to PHA, PPD, and recall antigens (SK/SD and CA). Proliferative assays were also carried out in the presence of either each patient's serum (autologous serum) or cocultured with CD3(+)-depleted adherent cells. Serum measurements of soluble interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor and synthesis of IL-2 generated by mononuclear cells stimulated with PPD and SK/SD were also performed. Patient sera were able to inhibit autologous as well as allogeneic cell responses, and a significant adherent cell suppressive effect was observed. As a whole the group of patients showed decreased blast transformation to PPD, preserved proliferative responses to other recall antigens, and a low PPD-induced generation of IL-2. Furthermore, as possible evidence of preactivated T cells, these patients demonstrated high soluble IL-2 receptor serum levels. Early compromise of specific cell-mediated immunity, including IL-2 abnormalities, may be of significance in newly diagnosed pulmonary TB.
Andrade-Arzabe
R
R
Clinical Immunology National Center, Ministry of Health, Caracas, Venezuela.
Machado
I V
IV
Fernandez
B
B
Blanca
I
I
Ramirez
R
R
Bianco
N E
NE
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000096:biosynthesis; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear / Q000276:immunology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2 / Q000097:blood; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000276:immunology*
D007376:Interleukin-2; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2