Efficacy of T Regulatory Cells, Th17 Cells and the Associated Markers in Monitoring Tuberculosis Treatment Response

Treatment monitoring is an essential aspect for tuberculosis (TB) disease management. Sputum smear microscopy is the only available tool for monitoring, but it suffers from demerits. Therefore, we sought to evaluate markers and cellular subsets of T regulatory (Treg) cells and T helper (Th) 17 cells in pulmonary TB patients (PTB) for TB treatment monitoring. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were stimulated (with purified protein derivative (PPD)) overnight which was followed by a polychromatic flow cytometry approach to study Treg and Th17 markers and cellular subsets in PTB ( = 12) undergoing antituberculous treatment (ATT). The baseline levels of these markers and cellular subsets were evaluated in normal healthy subjects (NHS). We observed a significant decrease in the expression of CD25 (