The role of antibodies in Bacille Calmette Guérin-mediated immune responses and protection against tuberculosis in humans: A systematic review

Abstract

Background: The mechanisms underlying Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine's protective effects against tuberculosis (TB) are incompletely understood but are proposed to involve a predominantly cell-mediated process. However, there is increasing evidence for the involvement of antibodies in the control of Mycobacteria tuberculosis and in the immune response to BCG. Methods: We did a systematic review of studies investigating anti-BCG antibodies in individuals with active or latent TB, and in the response to BCG vaccination. Results: Of 1417 articles screened, 70 were relevant, comprising 52 investigating anti-BCG antibodies in TB and 18 investigating the anti-BCG antibody response to BCG-va..