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  • Title: Increased production of interleukin 4 by CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from patients with tuberculosis is related to the presence of pulmonary cavities.
    Author: van Crevel R, Karyadi E, Preyers F, Leenders M, Kullberg BJ, Nelwan RH, van der Meer JW.
    Journal: J Infect Dis; 2000 Mar; 181(3):1194-7. PubMed ID: 10720554.
    Abstract:
    In tuberculosis, cellular immunity is considered to be responsible for the eradication of infection but also for damage of host tissues. In animal models, the balance between Th1-type cytokines, especially interferon (IFN)-gamma, and Th2-type cytokines, primarily interleukin (IL)-4, seems crucial for these effects. Reports on Th1-type and Th2-type cytokines in human tuberculosis are conflicting, and little is known about their role in tissue damage. Flow-cytometric assessment of cytokine responses was performed in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-seronegative patients with active tuberculosis and in healthy controls. Patients and controls showed no significant difference in expression of IFN-gamma. However, patients showed a striking increase in production of IL-4 in CD4+ as well as CD8+ T cells. Most remarkably, the expression of IL-4 was especially elevated in patients with cavitary tuberculosis. The Th2-type response with increased production of IL-4 in patients with tuberculosis may antagonize host defense and lead to tissue necrosis.
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