The role of antibody-mediated immunity in defense against Mycobacterium tuberculosis: advances toward a novel vaccine strategy.

Antibody-mediated immunity has been historically considered to have no role in host-defense against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In recent years, studies from our group as well as others have challenged this traditional thinking. Using monoclonal antibodies, researchers demonstrated that antibodies can modify various aspects of mycobacterial infection to the benefit of the host. A review of recent experimental evidence in support of a role for antibodies in host-defense against mycobacterial infections is presented. Challenges to the field and an outline of future directions with particular attention to research leading to the development of a novel vaccine strategy, are emphasized.