Tumor necrosis factor alpha in mycobacterial infection

Highlights • In TB, TNF-α is produced primarily by myeloid cells and also by lymphocytes and its availability is regulated by cytokines, enzymes, lipid mediators and miRNAs. • Local gradients dictate the detrimental or beneficial role of TNF-α by fine-tuning antibacterial capacities and tissue damage. • Treatment with TNF-α blockers results in TB reactivation. • Challenges ahead are to uncover networks governing TNF-α availability and cross-regulatory interactions between TNF-α and other immune or nonimmune mediators.