Human CD4+ T cells recognize Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infected macrophages amid broader responses.

Abstract

CD4+ T cell-mediated control of tuberculosis (TB) requires recognition of macrophages infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Yet, not all Mtb-specific T cells recognize infected macrophages. Using infected monocyte-derived macrophages and autologous memory CD4+ T cells from individuals with stable latent Mtb infection (LTBI), we quantify the frequency of activated T cells. T cell antigen receptor (TCR) sequencing revealed >70% of unique and >90% of total Mtb-specific TCR clonotypes in LTBI are linked to recognition of infected macrophages, while a subset required exogenous antigen exposure, suggesting incomplete recognition. Clonotypes specific for multiple Mtb antigens, and other pathogens, were identified. Remarkably, antigen screening revealed all TCRs to be specific for type VII secretion system (T7SS) substrates. Mtb-specific clonotypes expressed signature effector functions dominated by IFNγ, TNF, IL-2, and GM-CSF or chemokine production and signaling. We propose that TB vaccines, which elicit T cells specific for T7SS substrates, recognize infected macrophages, and express canonical effector functions, will offer protection against TB.