Pattern recognition receptors detect microbial products and induce cytokines, which shape the immunological response. IL-12, TNF-alpha, and IL-1 beta are proinflammatory cytokines, which are essential for resistance against infection, but when produced at high levels they may contribute to immunopathology. In contrast, IL-10 is an immunosuppressive cytokine, which dampens proinflammatory responses, but it can a...
Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, remains a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, causing ~1.4 million deaths per year. Key immune components for host protection during tuberculosis include the cytokines IL-12, IL-1, and TNF-a, as well as IFN-? and CD4(+) Th1 cells. However, immune factors determining whether individuals control infection or progress to active tuberculosis are in...