Participation of alveolar macrophages in pathogenesis of tuberculous inflammation

Abstract

The role of macrophages has been shown in all stages of tuberculous inflammation. They are the first protective barrier during the contact with myc- robacteries, they perform the functions of antigenp- resentating cells, stimulating the development of the specific clone of T-lymphocytes, macrophages being activated by T-lymphocyte lymphokines become the principal effector cells. The basis cytotoxic mechanisms are lysosomal, oxygen-dependent and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Depending on the virulence and immunogenecity of mycrobacteries all these mechanisms may exert protective and injurious effect. Delayed sensitivity plays the main role in surrorting this process. The study and regulation of the function of macrophages remain the perspective trend of phthisiology.

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