TNF-alpha in tuberculosis: a cytokine with a split personality.

Abstract

TNF-alpha is an essential component of the innate defence mechanism of the host against pathogenic challenge. Unfortunately, it can also play a major role in the pathology of certain diseases, such as tuberculosis. This disease is a striking example of the role of TNF-alpha as a 'double-edged sword', because apart from its role in controlling the Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, it can also cause severe tissue damage. TNF-alpha exhibits a very complex network of interactions and many of its activities are still not fully understood. This report aims to review the pivotal role of TNF-alpha in controlling the mycobacterial infection, with a particular emphasis on its influence on chemokine expression and cell movement during granuloma formation, and the issues surrounding the use of TNF-alpha inhibitors for therapeutic use in inflammatory diseases.

• Authors: Amanda Mootoo, Elena Stylianou, Mauricio A Arias, Rajko Reljic
• Journal: Inflammation & allergy drug targets (Inflamm Allergy Drug Targets) Vol. 8 Issue 1 Pg. 53-62 (Mar 2009) ISSN: 2212-4055 [Electronic] United Arab Emirates
• PMID: 19275693 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
• Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Topics

• Animals
• Apoptosis
• Cell Differentiation
• Dendritic Cells (immunology, metabolism, pathology)
• Granuloma (immunology)
• Humans
• Immunity, Cellular
• Immunity, Innate
• Inflammation
• Macrophages (immunology, metabolism, microbiology, pathology)
• Mycobacterium tuberculosis (immunology)
• Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor (genetics, immunology, metabolism)
• Th1 Cells (immunology, metabolism)
• Tuberculosis, Pulmonary (immunology, metabolism, pathology)
• Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (genetics, immunology, metabolism)