Detection of Drug-Responsive T-Lymphocytes in a Case of Fatal Antituberculosis Drug-Related Liver Injury

Antituberculosis (TB) drug exposure is associated with a mild elevation of liver enzymes that occasionally develops into severe liver injury. Herein, we identify ethambutol- and rifampicin-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell clones in a patient with fatal anti TB-related liver injury. The clones were activated to proliferate and secrete IFN-γ, Il-13, and granzyme B following drug treatment. Drug-responsive T-cells may contribute to the pathogenesis of antituberculosis-related liver failure.