The correlation of Foxp3 + gene and regulatory T cells with scar BCG formation among children with Tuberculosis

• Main Authors: Farsida, Mochammad Hatta, Ilhamjaya Patellongi, Prihantono, Rahmini Shabariyah, Rahma Ayu Larasati (Laras), Andi Asadul Islam, Rosdiana Natzir, Muh. Nasrum Massi, Firdaus Hamid, Andi Dwi Bahagia
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2020-12-01
• Series: Journal of Clinical Tuberculosis and Other Mycobacterial Diseases
• Subjects: Tuberculosis; BCG Scar; FOXP3; TREG
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405579420300668

Tuberculosis infection causes a complex immunological response, where interactions between the pathogen and the host are unique, making it difficult to treat and control this disease. According to WHO, an estimated 1 million children became ill with TB, and 233,000 children died of TB in 2017. Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccines continue to be the only vaccines to prevent Tuberculosis (TB). Studies suggesting the association of BCG scar with decreased childhood mortality in developing countries have rekindled the interest in BCG scar. However, the direct effect of the BCG scar remains unknown. We examined 76 cases in this study. All Subjects were diagnosed with Tuberculosis. BCG scars were examined directly when physical examination at the BCG vaccination site was performed. Tuberculin Skin Test was performed with 0.1 ml purified protein derivative (PPD) solution (5TU PPD/0.1 ml) injected intradermally. We examined the FOXP3 gene by real-time PCR and the level of Treg byELISA. The comparison of the mean Treg gene expression and the Treg protein content was higher in the positive scar group than in the negative scar group. It shows that Treg plays a role in the Tuberculosis during its active phase development. Treg protein levels were higher in the combination of positive TST and scar. It shows that BCG scarring is an essential marker of a well-functioning immune system. Cheap and straightforward initiatives like early BCG vaccinations, monitoring BCG scarring, and revaccinating scar-negative children could have an enormous immediate impact on global child survival.