Human CD4+ T cells recognize Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infected macrophages amid broader responses.

ABSTRACT: CD4+ T cell-mediated control of tuberculosis (TB) requires recognition of macrophages infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Yet, not all Mtb-specific T cells recognize infected macrophages. Using infected monocyte-derived macrophages and autologous memory CD4+ T cells from individuals with stable latent Mtb infection (LTBI), we quantify the frequency of activated T cells. T cell antigen receptor (TCR) sequencing revealed >70% of unique and >90% of total Mtb-specific TCR clonotypes in LTBI are linked to recognition of infected macrophages, while a subset required exogenous antigen exposure, suggesting incomplete recognition. Clonotypes specific for multiple Mtb antigens, and other pathogens, were identified. Remarkably, antigen screening revealed all TCRs to be specific for type V

SUBMITTER: Stetsenko V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12459340 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature