Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)-Induced Immune Activation (BCG-Induced Immune Activation)

BCG-induced immune activation encompasses both immediate priming and long-term functional reprogramming across multiple arms—innate phagocytic/myeloid lineages as well as adaptive lymphocyte populations. It is mediated through pattern recognition receptors like NOD2 triggering downstream epigenetic/metabolic rewiring that enhances host defense not only against Mycobacterium tuberculosis but also heterologous pathogens—and has implications for autoimmunity modulation and cancer immunotherapy applications.

Other names

BCG vaccinationBCG immunotherapyBCG-induced trained immunityBCG-mediated immune response

Activation of innate immune cells (monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, dendritic cells) via pattern recognition receptors (e.g., NOD2), leading to epigenetic reprogramming (trained immunity), metabolic shifts (increased aerobic glycolysis), and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Induction of adaptive immunity through activation of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, and B cells.