Tuberculosis

We evaluate cytokines and cytokine gene expression in studies using bronchoalveolar lavage of TB in involved and uninvolved lung segments. Interferon-g aerosol is used to enhance a Th1 response. Studies of the immune response to evaluate vaccine candidates are extant. TB/HIV coinfection studies focus on dominant negative isoforms of the C /EBP ß transcription factor that inhibit HIV replication. Studies of MDR-TB are being done collaboratively in South Africa.