Current opinion in immunology
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There has been an increase in our understanding of the complexity of the T cell response to mycobacterial infection recently. Improved tools have allowed the determination of the location and kinetics of naïve T cell activation in the mouse as well the variety of function of mycobacteria-specific cells in humans. There is also an increased appreciation of the balance required during mycobacterial infection between anti-bacterial activity and control of the immunopathologic response. The integration of the T cell functional data with the consequences of infection should improve rational vaccine design.