Complement receptor expression and cytokine release by peripheral blood leucocytes after interaction with a mutant strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Complement plays a crucial role during the early interactions of the human host with mycobacteria. The expression of complement receptors has been well documented. The expression of different sets of genes by M. tuberculosis at various stages of infection enables the bacillus to survive in a highly hostile environment. The DevR-DevS system is expressed during hypoxia and plays a key role in M. tuberculosis latency.