Immunity in tuberculosis

Abstract

Tuberculosis continues to be one of the most prevalent and serious diseases in the world. The varied and sometimes profound immune responses induced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis are not only responsible for immunity but can cause considerable tissue damage and metastasis. For many years the cellular and humoral immunity induced by M. tuberculosis has served as a valuable model, but, despite this, many questions concerning the pathogenicity of the organism and protection against tuberculosis remain unanswered. In this review, various aspects of tuberculoimmunity and of the pathogenesis and diagnosis of tuberculosis are examined in the light of current immunological knowledge.