DYNAMIC CHANGES OF GRANULYSIN AND CATHELICIDIN IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH DIFFERENT FORMS OF PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS

Abstract

Granulysin and cathelicidin, the cytolytic molecules of innate immune system are important protective factors during infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. We present original data concerning high levels of granulysin and cathelicidin among the group of children and adolescents with latent TB infection. Patients with tuberculosis of the respiratory system exhibit significantly lower amounts of serum cathelicidin in destructive forms, as well as granulysin levels in “minor” forms of tuberculosis before starting the specific chemotherapy. The chemotherapy performed did not influence the serum granulysin and cathelicidin contents in patients with destructive tuberculosis, whereas the patients with “minor” forms (TLN/focal tuberculosis) revealed a significant increase in granulysin content after 6 months of treatment, and same trend for cathelicidin concentrations after 3 months of chemotherapy, followed by subsequent return to baseline values.

Keywords

• tuberculosis
• children
• adolescent
• innate immunity
• granulysin
• cathelicidin