Dominant-negative tumor necrosis factor protects from Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette Guérin (BCG) and endotoxin-induced liver injury without compromising host immunity to BCG and Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Background: Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is associated with the development of inflammatory pathologies. Antibodies and soluble TNF (solTNF) receptors that neutralize excessive TNF are effective therapies for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. However, clinical use of TNF inhibitors is associated with an increased risk of infections.