Change of IFN-γ and TNF-α producing capacity in the course of chemotherapy in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis

Abstract

Background: Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) play a critical role in protective immunity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. The change of IFN-γ and TNF-α producing capacity in the course of antituberculous chemotherapy in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis was evaluated in this study. Method: In 29 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, phytohemagglutinin(PHA) or purified protein derivative (PPD) stimulated production of IFN-γ and TNF-α by peripheral blood mononuclear cells was quantified. Five patients were sampled before they underwent antituberculous treatment, 11 patients after 0-4 months, six after 4-completion and seven after treatment completion. Result: There was no difference in PHA- or PPD- stimulated production of IFN-γ and TNF-α between each group. Conclusion: No difference in PHA- or PPD- stimulated production of IFN-γ and TNF-α between two groups could be identified according to their treatment with pulmonary tuberculosis.