Contained Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection induces concomitant and heterologous protection.

ABSTRACT: Progress in tuberculosis vaccine development is hampered by an incomplete understanding of the immune mechanisms that protect against infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the causative agent of tuberculosis. Although the M72/ASOE1 trial yielded encouraging results (54% efficacy in subjects with prior exposure to Mtb), a highly effective vaccine against adult tuberculosis remains elusive. We show that in a mouse model, establishment of a contained and persistent yet non-pathogenic infection with Mtb ("contained Mtb infection", CMTB) rapidly and durably reduces tuberculosis disease burden after re-exposure through aerosol challenge. Protection is associated with elevated activation of alveolar macrophages, the first cells that respond to inhaled Mtb, and accelerated recruitment o

SUBMITTER: Nemeth J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7365393 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature