Computational modeling of tuberculous meningitis reveals an important role for tumor necrosis factor-α.

ABSTRACT: Tuberculosis is a global health issue with annually about 1.5 million deaths and 2 billion infected people worldwide. Extra-pulmonary tuberculosis comprises 13% of all cases of which tuberculous meningitis is the most severe. It has a high mortality and is often diagnosed once irreversible neurological damage has already occurred. Development of diagnostic and treatment strategies requires a thorough understanding of the pathogenesis of tuberculous meningitis. This disease is characterized by the formation of a cerebral granuloma, which is a collection of immune cells that attempt to immunologically restrain, and physically contain bacteria. The cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α is known for its important role in granuloma formation. Because traditional experimental animal studies exploring

SUBMITTER: El-Kebir M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3821557 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature