TNF Antibodies, T Cells, and Tuberculosis

How does anti-TNF immunotherapy affect host mechanisms that control TB? The findings are suggestive.

Infliximab, a monoclonal antibody that binds to both soluble and membrane-bound tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), is an effective treatment for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, but anti-TNF therapy is known to be associated with reactivation of latent tuberculosis. Hypothesizing that anti-TNF treatment inactivates the T-cell response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, investigators examined responses in 17 patients beginning infliximab therapy for rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis.

Perforin- and granulysin-expressing peripheral blood mononuclear cells are important in the immune response to tuberculosis and other infectious agents. The researchers measured the expression of perforin and granulysin proteins in these patients before …

Reviewing Author

Craig A. Elmets, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Astellas Pharmaceuticals

EquityVaxin

Grant / Research support NIH; NIH/NCI; Veteran’s Administration; Ferndale Laboratories; Kyowa Hakko Kirin Pharma, Inc.

Editorial boards Cancer Prevention Research; Photodermatology, Photoimmunology, & Photomedicine; UpToDate; eMedicine; Journal of Dermatological Sciences; JAMA Dermatology

Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Vice Chair, Committee on Science and Research); Photomedicine Society (Board of Directors)