SEATRAC research clarifies and demonstrates the importance of T cell-derived IFN-gamma during Mtb infection

First author, and SEATRAC grant recipient, Dr. Karolina Maciag

and fellow Seattle Children's Research Institute scientists have resolved a long-standing controversy in the TB research field. They have clarified the essential role of the cell-to-cell signaling protein interferon gamma (IFNγ) in the immune response to TB. While it has been well established that T cells protect against TB, the mechanisms by which they do so have been poorly understood. Until now. This significant advancement, made by investigators in the Urdahl Lab, found that ...

Without the ability to produce IFNγ, T cells actually make TB disease significantly worse.

This discovery shows that having a balance between immune pathways that depend on IFNγ and those that don't is crucial for effective immune responses against TB.

Follow the link below to read more about how this exciting work can inform the development of host-directed therapies and vaccines for TB.

Reappraising the Role of T Cell-Derived IFN-γ in Restriction of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the Murine Lung - PubMed (nih.gov)