B cell infiltration is associated with the increased IL-17 and IL-22 expression in the lungs of patients with tuberculosis

► We examined the B and T cells immune response in lung tissue with tuberculosis. ► The ectopic B cell aggregate formation was associated with protective immunity. ► The area ratio of ectopic B cell aggregates correlated with local IL-17 response. ► B cells in tuberculous pleurisy maintain localized IL-17 and IL-22 immune response.