Roles of chemokines in the resistance against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the leading infectious cause of death in the world. The host immune response to M. tuberculosis is characterized by cell-mediated immunity. The recruitment of inflammatory cells from the vascular compartment to the site of infection depends on a complex interaction of chemokines. Chemokines aid in granuloma formation, function critical for the immune response to M. tuberculosis. Both CC- and CXC-chemokines are crucial during mycobacterial infections for a timely recruitment of specific leukocyte subpopulations to sites of tissue damage, and contribute to the innate immune response to M. tuberculosis infection. However, recent findings suggest that some members of these chemokines have an opposite effect. This review examines current status in the understanding of chemokine-driven mycobacteria infection. Particular attention will be paid in the immunological mechanisms against mycobacteria, especially in the roles of several chemokines. In addition we will review the cellular signaling pathways by which mycobacterial antigens mediate chemokine induction. The topics covered in this review may help in the identification of possible molecular targets for activation of chemokine action for the treatment of mycobacterial diseases, including tuberculosis.