An Elucidation of Neutrophil Functions againstMycobacterium tuberculosisInfection

Abstract

We characterized the functions of neutrophils in response toMycobacterium tuberculosis(M. tb) infection, with particular reference to glutathione (GSH). We examined the effects of GSH in improving the ability of neutrophils to control intracellularM. tbinfection. Our findings indicate that increasing the intracellular levels of GSH with a liposomal formulation of GSH (L-GSH) resulted in reduction in the levels of free radicals and increased acidification ofM. tbcontaining phagosomes leading to the inhibition in the growth ofM. tb. This inhibitory mechanism is dependent on the presence of TNF-αand IL-6. Our studies demonstrate a novel regulatory mechanism adapted by the neutrophils to controlM. tbinfection.