Glutathione (GSH) is an antioxidant in human cells that is utilized to prevent damage occurred by reactive oxygen species, free radicals, peroxides, lipid peroxides, and heavy metals. Due to its immunological role in tuberculosis (TB), GSH is hypothesized to play an important part in the immune response against M. tb infection. In fact, one of the hallmark structures of TB is granuloma formation, which involves many types of immune cells. T cells, specifically, are a major component and are involved in the release of cytokines and activation of macrophages. GSH also serves an important function in macrophages, natural killer cells, and T cells in modulating their activation, their metabolism, proper cytokine release, proper redox activity, and free radical levels. For patients with increased susceptibility, such as those with HIV and type 2 diabetes, the demand for higher GSH levels is increased. GSH acts as an important immunomodulatory antioxidant by stabilizing redox activity, shifting of cytokine profile toward Th1 type response, and enhancing T lymphocytes. This review compiles reports showing the benefits of GSH in improving the immune responses against M. tb infection and the use of GSH as an adjunctive therapy for TB.
Keywords: glutathione; interferons; interleukins; mycobacteria; transforming growth factor; tuberculosis; tumor necrosis factor.