Mycobacterium tuberculosis HN878 Infection Induces Human-Like B-Cell Follicles in Mice.

ABSTRACT: Specific spatial organization of granulomas within the lungs is crucial for protective anti-tuberculosis (TB) immune responses. However, only large animal models such as macaques are thought to reproduce the morphological hallmarks of human TB granulomas. In this study, we show that infection of mice with clinical "hypervirulent" Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) HN878 induces human-like granulomas composed of bacilli-loaded macrophages surrounded by lymphocytes and organized localization of germinal centers and B-cell follicles. Infection with laboratory-adapted Mtb H37Rv resulted in granulomas that are characterized by unorganized clusters of macrophages scattered between lymphocytes. An in-depth exploration of the functions of B cells within these follicles suggested diverse roles and th

SUBMITTER: Choreno-Parra JA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7184917 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature