Bacillus Calmette-Guérin-stimulated immune response

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin-stimulated immune response refers to the sequence of immunological events triggered by BCG vaccine administration. BCG, a live attenuated strain of *Mycobacterium bovis*, is recognized by pattern recognition receptors on innate immune cells (such as Toll-like receptors and NOD-like receptors), leading to phagocytosis, activation of dendritic cells and macrophages, epigenetic reprogramming ("trained immunity"), cytokine secretion, and the maturation and activation of both innate and adaptive immune responses[1][2][3][4]. BCG-induced immunity plays a key role in the prevention of tuberculosis, protects through both classic adaptive pathways and non-specific enhancement of innate defenses, and is also exploited as immunotherapy, notably against bladder cancer[4]. However, the term itself is not a singular molecular target but encapsulates a complex immunobiological response involving numerous molecules and cellular events[1][2][3][4].

Other names

BCG-induced immune responseBCG-stimulated immunityBCG vaccine immunological effect

Activation of innate immune receptors (such as TLR2, TLR4, NOD2, DC-SIGN) Epigenetic reprogramming of innate immune cells ("trained immunity") via histone modifications Antigen presentation by dendritic cells, macrophages, and B cells, activating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells Induction of cytokine production (e.g., IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6)