Differential expression of alpha II spectrin in monocytes of tuberculosis patients

Monocytes play a crucial role in immune response to tuberculosis. The present study focuses on identifying differences in the monocyte proteome profile of tuberculosis patients, household contacts and healthy controls. Differential protein expression was studied by two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis. One of the spots consistently showed either lower intensity or was absent in patients and was identified as alpha II-spectrin. The decreased expression of αII-spectrin was further validated by quantitative PCR (qPCR) and western blot analysis. This study suggests the possible role of decreased levels of αII-spectrin in the pathology of tuberculosis.