Change of IFN-g and TNF-a Producing Capacity in the Course of Chemotherapy in Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Abstract

Background: Interleron-gamma(IFN-) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-) playa critical role in protective immunity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection The change of IFN- and TNF - 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- and TNF- 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- and TNF- between each group. Conclusion: No difference in PHA- or PPD- stimulated production of IFN- and TNF- between two groups could be identified according to their treatment with pulmonary tuberculosis.