Differences in IgG responses against infection phase related Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) specific antigens in individuals exposed or not to Mtb correlate with control of TB infection and progression

Tuberculosis (TB) occurs in only 3 –10% of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infected individuals, suggesting that natural immunity can contain Mtb infection, although this remains poorly understood. Next to T-cells, a potentially protective role for B-cells and antibodies has emerged recently. However, the Mtb antigens involved rem ain ill-defined. Here, we investigated in a TB-endemic setting IgG levels against 15 Mtb antigens, representing various phases of Mtb infection and known to be potent human T-cell antigens.

Source: Tuberculosis - June 7, 2017 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Mariateresa Coppola, Leonar Arroyo, Krista E. van Meijgaarden, Kees LMC. Franken, Annemieke Geluk, Luis F. Barrera, Tom H.M. Ottenhoff Source Type: research