Lung mucosal and systemic responses at single-cell resolution in an aerosolized Mycobacterium bovis BCG human challenge model

Key Points

• This research aims to explore T cell responses in the lung mucosa and their reactivity to mycobacterial antigens following infection.
• Utilized an aerosolized Mycobacterium bovis BCG challenge model in humans.
• Analyzed T cell localization and expansion in lung mucosa at the single-cell level.
• Validated mycobacterial antigen reactivity using reporter T cells.
• T cells preferentially localize in the lung mucosa over newly expanded clones.
• Publicly expanded clones in the lung mucosa demonstrate mycobacterial antigen reactivity.
• Findings highlight important implications for the design of tuberculosis vaccines.