Dynamics of T-cell IFN-{gamma} and miR-29a expression during active pulmonary tuberculosis

IFN- is crucial for protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. miR-29 was recently shown to non-redundantly inhibit IFN-. Here, we investigated IFN- and miR-29a expression dynamics of CD4+ T cells from patients during active tuberculosis (TB) (n = 32) and in household contacts who were latently M. tuberculosis infected (n = 19) from Ghana. Whereas M. tuberculosis-specific IFN- expression was similar during TB chemotherapy, superantigen stimulation indicated generally impaired IFN- expression in TB patients. No interdependency between miR-29a and IFN- expression of T cells was observed. However, miR-29a was differentially expressed in T cells during chemotherapy. We concluded that differential miR-29a expression in active TB was not causative for impaired IFN- expression.
Source: International Immunology - Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Tags: Short communication Source Type: research