Participation of group 2 CD1 molecules in the control of murine tuberculosis

Besides the classical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and MH C class II molecules, human CD1 molecules have been shown to present mycoba cterial antigens in vitro. In this study, in vivo treatment of mice with an ti-CD1 monoclonal antibodies resulted in exacerbated tuberculosis at very e arly time points. In CD1-modulated mice, Mycobacterium tuberculosis-specifi c production of the type 1 cytokines, IL-12, TNF, and IFN-gamma as well as of TGF beta was reduced. These findings suggest an antigen-presenting role of CD1 molecules in tuberculosis. (C) 1999 Editions scientifiques et medica les Elsevier SAS.