T cells and adaptive immunity to Mycobacterium tuberculosis in humans

The adaptive immune response mediated by T cells is critical for control of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tuberculosis) infection in humans. However, the M.tuberculosis antigens and host T-cell responses that are required for an effective adaptive immune response to M.tuberculosis infection are yet to be defined. Here, we review recent findings on CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cell responses to M.tuberculosis infection and examine the roles of distinct M.tuberculosis-specific T-cell subsets in control of de novo and latent M.tuberculosis infection, and in the evolution of T-cell immunity to M.tuberculosis in response to tuberculosis treatment. In addition, we discuss recent studies that elucidate aspects of M.tuberculosis-specific adaptive immunity during human immunodeficiency virus co-infection and summarize recent findings from vaccine trials that provide insight into effective adaptive immune responses to M.tuberculosis infection.