Use of IMiD3, a thalidomide analog, as an adjunct to therapy for experimental tuberculous meningitis.

Tuberculous meningitis (TBM), the most severe form of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in humans, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality despite successful treatment with antituberculous drugs. This is due to the irreversible brain damage subsequent to the local inflammatory response of the host to M. tuberculosis.

Mycobacterial antigens exacerbate disease manifestations in Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infected mice.

To control tuberculosis worldwide, the burden of adult pulmonary disease must be reduced. Although widely used, Mycobacterium bovis BCG vaccination given at birth does not protect against adult pulmonary disease. Therefore, postexposure vaccination of adults with mycobacterial antigens is being considered.