Functional and Phenotypic Changes of Natural Killer Cells in Whole Blood during <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i> Infection and Disease.

ABSTRACT: Tuberculosis (TB) is still a global health concern, especially in resource-poor countries such as The Gambia. Defining protective immunity to TB is challenging: its pathogenesis is complex and involves several cellular components of the immune system. Recent works in vaccine development suggest important roles of the innate immunity in natural protection to TB, including natural killer (NK) cells. NK cells mediate cellular cytotoxicity and cytokine signaling in response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). NK cells can display specific memory-type markers to previous antigen exposure; thus, bridging innate and adaptive immunity. However, major knowledge gaps exist on the contribution of NK cells in protection against Mtb infection or TB. We performed a cross-sectional assessment of

SUBMITTER: Garand M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5827559 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature