Role of complement activation and antibody in the interaction between Mycobacterium tuberculosis and human macrophages.

Manivannan, S.; Rao, N.V.; Ramanathan, V.D .

Indian Journal of Experimental Biology; 2012; 50; 542-550.

Abstract: Mycobacterium tuberculosis -specific antibodies possess immunomodulatory effects during tuberculosis infection. Prior sensitization to environmental mycobacteria is known to suppress immune responses against BCG and M. tuberculosis . Mycobacteria –induced antibodies can influence events such as complement activation and phagocytosis during infectious process. In the present study role of anti- M. tuberculosis IgG (anti- M. tb IgG) antibody during interaction between M. tuberculosis and human macrophages mediated through complement ahs been examined in vivo . Anti- M. tb IgG antibody significantly enhanced complement activation by M. tuberculosis . Phagocytosis of M. tuberculosis by macrophages increased significantly in the presence of complement and/or antibody. Moreover antibody enhanced phagocytosis in the presence of complement. Addition of antibody alone or in combination with complement also augmented intraceullar viability of bacilli within macrophages. Results of this study showed that anti-mycobacterial antibody enhances complement activation of anti- M. tb IgG antibody probably modulates effects of complement during early stages of tuberculosis infection.

Keywords: Complement; Immunoglobulin; M. tuberculosis ; Phagocytosis

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