title: Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection of the 'non-classical immune cell'.
abstract: Mycobacterium tuberculosis can infect 'non-classical immune cells', which comprise a significant constituency of cells that reside outside of those defined as 'classical immune cells' from myeloid or lymphoid origin. Here we address the influence of specific 'non-classical immune cells' in host responses and their effects in controlling mycobacterial growth or enabling an environment conducive for bacilli persistence. The interaction of M. tuberculosis with epithelial cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, adipocytes, glia and neurons and downstream cellular responses that often dictate immune regulation and disease outcome are discussed. Functional integration and synergy between 'classical' and 'non-classical immune cells' are highlighted as critical for determining optimal immune outcomes that favour the host.
authors: Division of Immunology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Health Sciences Faculty, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
authors: Philippa J
authors: PJ
authors: Randall
authors: Division of Immunology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Health Sciences Faculty, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
authors: Nai-Jen
authors: NJ
authors: Hsu
authors: University of Orleans and CNRS UMR7355, Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, Orleans, France.
authors: Valerie
authors: V
authors: Quesniaux
authors: University of Orleans and CNRS UMR7355, Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, Orleans, France.
authors: Bernhard
authors: B
authors: Ryffel
authors: Division of Immunology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Health Sciences Faculty, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.|National Health Laboratory Service, South Africa.
authors: Muazzam
authors: M
authors: Jacobs
mesh_terms: D017667:Adipocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D018448:Models, Immunological; D009169:Mycobacterium tuberculosis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000502:physiology; D009457:Neuroglia / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology; D009474:Neurons / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000382:microbiology