CYTOKINES AND TUBERCULOSIS

The evolution of Mycobacterium tuberculosis as an intracellular pathog en has led to a complex relationship between it and its host, the huma n mononuclear phagocyte. The products of M. tuberculosis-specific T ly mphocytes are essential for macrophage activation for intracellular my cobacterial killing. However, some cytokines, including products of bo th lymphocytes and phagocytic cells, may contribute to enhanced mycoba cterial survival and replication. In human immunodeficiency virus-asso ciated tuberculosis, cytokine products may mediate enhanced susceptibi lity to tuberculosis as well as accelerated progression to AIDS. Bette r understanding of these interactions will allow the development of in creasingly specific immune-based interventions for prevention and trea tment of tuberculosis.