Changes in TNF-α in combined pathology of hiv infection with tuberculosis

Abstract

TNF-α (tumour necrosis factor-α) is a critical cytokine for controlling mycobacterial infection and its role cannot be fulfilled by other cytokines. Tumour necrosis factors play an important role in granuloma formation and anti-infectious defence during M. tuberculosis colonization and infection control. In addition, its level increases even in the presence of latent tuberculosis infection, when there are still no manifestations of the tuberculosis process, which is crucial for early detection of mycobacterial infection.