Bolstering Immunity through Pattern Recognition Receptors: A Unique Approach to Control Tuberculosis

Abstract

The global control of tuberculosis (TB) presents a continuous health challenge to mankind. Despite having effective drugs, TB still has a devastating impact on human health. Contributing reasons include the emergence of drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the AIDS-pandemic, and the absence of effective vaccines against the disease. Indeed, alternative and effective methods of TB treatment and control are urgently needed. One such approach may be to more effectively engage the immune system; particularly the frontline pattern recognition receptor (PRR) systems of the host, which sense pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) of Mtb. It is well known that 95% of individuals infected with Mtb in latent form remain healthy throughout their life. Therefore, we propose that clues can be found to control the remainder by successfully manipulating the innate immune mechanisms, particularly of nasal and mucosal cavities. This article highlights the importance of signaling through PRRs in restricting Mtb entry and subsequently preventing its infection. Furthermore, we discuss whether this unique therapy employing PRRs in combination with drugs can help in reducing the dose and duration of current TB regimen.

A Hybrid Model for Predicting Pattern Recognition Receptors Using Evolutionary Information

“…Adaptive immunity comprises of receptors which are highly specific to antigens (61). In contrast, innate immunity consists of specialized receptors known as PRRs that recognize infectious pathogens and initiate inflammatory responses for their eradication (62). Several critical implications of PRRs have been reported in the past in the context of adjuvant designing, therapeutic targets, immunomodulator design, cancer immunotherapy, etc.…”

A Hybrid Model for Predicting Pattern Recognition Receptors using Evolutionary Information

“…Adaptive immunity comprises of receptors which are highly specific to antigens (52). In contrast, innate immunity consists of specialized receptors known as pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that recognize infectious pathogens and initiate inflammatory responses for their eradication (53). Several critical implications of PRRs have been reported in the past in the context of adjuvant designing, therapeutic targets, immunomodulator design, cancer immunotherapy, etc.…”

The Role of N-Acetyl Sistein in Pulmonary Tuberculosis

“…The natural immune system is the initial defense against TB, if it fails then TB bacilli will spread through macrophages to lymph nodes and blood flow to many organs. 4,9 The initial response to the tissue that has never been infected is in the form of an inflammatory cell, both polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) cells and phagocyte cells mononuclear. Bacilli that enter alveoli will be ingested and destroyed by alveolar macrophages.…”

“…Th1 cells produce type 1 cytokines, including IL-2, IL-12, IFN-γ, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). 4,12 Cytokines released by Th1 are effective activators to generate cellular immune responses. Th2 cells make and release type 2 cytokines including IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-9, and IL-10.…”

“…Active TB has an association with suppression of T cell responses and increased production of immunosuppressed cytokines, namely IL-10 which can inhibit T cell proliferation and IFN-γ production. 4 MTB infection can induce oxidative stress. 5 Oxidative stress results from an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants.…”