Regulatory T cell frequency and modulation of IFN-gamma and IL-17 in active and latent tuberculosis.

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play an essential role in immune homeostasis. In infectious diseases Tregs may inhibit protective responses facilitating pathogen multiplication and dissemination, but they may also limit the inflammatory response diminishing tissue damage. Although there is experimental and clinical evidence that Tregs are induced during Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, their role in the immunopathogenesis of tuberculosis is still not completely understood.