MYCOBACTERICIDAL NATURE OF HUMAN MONOCYTES IN-VITRO

Protective immunity in tuberculosis is attributed to destruction and e limination of the pathogen M. tuberculosis by activated macrophages. A ctivation of macrophages is brought about by the lymphokines released by antigen sensitized T lymphocytes. In the past ten years several rev iew articles and research papers have been published on the antimycoba cterial activity of macrophages. However convincing evidence of intrac ellular killing of M. tuberculosis was lacking in most of these experi ments. An in vitro experiment wherein we are able to demonstrate mycob actericidal activity by monocytes could yield valuable information in understanding of tuberculoimmunity and also to resolve immunomodulatin g agents as an adjunct to chemotherapy.