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Review
. 2015 May;37(3):239-49.
doi: 10.1007/s00281-015-0490-8. Epub 2015 Apr 28.

CD8 T cells and Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection

Philana Ling Lin  1 , JoAnne L Flynn
Affiliations
Review

CD8 T cells and Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection

Philana Ling Lin et al. Semin Immunopathol. 2015 May.

Abstract

Tuberculosis is primarily a respiratory disease that is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. M. tuberculosis can persist and replicate in macrophages in vivo, usually in organized cellular structures called granulomas. There is substantial evidence for the importance of CD4 T cells in control of tuberculosis, but the evidence for a requirement for CD8 T cells in this infection has not been proven in humans. However, animal model data support a non-redundant role for CD8 T cells in control of M. tuberculosis infection. In humans, infection with this pathogen leads to generation of specific CD8 T cell responses. These responses include classical (MHC Class I restricted) and non-classical CD8 T cells. Here, we discuss the potential roles of CD8 T cells in defense against tuberculosis, and our current understanding of the wide range of CD8 T cell types seen in M. tuberculosis infection.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Lung granulomas from M. tuberculosis-infected cynomolgus macaques are nearly identical to those from humans. A large caseous granuloma is shown on the right with acellular, eosinophilic staining of caseum (necrosis) (A) surrounded by palisading macrophages (B) along the mantle and lymphocytes (C) along the periphery. A smaller, non-necrotizing granulomas (“satellite granuloma”) is seen on the left of the caseous granuloma with a large Langhans giant cell (arrow) within the central area of macrophages with peripherally surrounding lymphocytes. (40× magnification, H&E staining)
Figure 2
Figure 2
Antigen presenting cells facilitate presentation of M. tuberculosis specific antigens to a variety of different CD8 T cell types using a range of MHC and MHC-like molecules. Antigens are presented to conventional CD8 T cells via MHC I and these cells have either produce cytokines or have cytotoxic function. Non-conventional CD8 T cells recognize antigens through other MHC-like molecules (e.g., HLA-E, CD1) to facilitate host immune responses.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Airway epithelial cells can function as antigen presenting cells to both conventional and nonconventional CD8 T cells including MAIT cells.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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