New TB vaccines: is there a requirement for CD8⁺ T cells?

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Abstract

MHC class I–restricted CD8+ T cells are necessary to mount an immune response against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. M. tuberculosis antigens can enter MHC class I cross-processing pathways through a number of different mechanisms, including via the uptake of antigen-containing apoptotic vesicles released by infected cells. A study in this issue of the JCI by Hinchey and colleagues shows that M. tuberculosis inhibits host cell apoptosis and thus may interfere with optimal cross-priming and action of CD8+ T cells (see the related article beginning on page 2279). M. tuberculosis genetically modified to induce apoptosis is shown to be more effective in priming CD8+ T cells in vivo and therefore may be a more effective vaccine against tuberculosis than the currently utilized M. bovis BCG vaccine.

Authors

W. Henry Boom