Tm-TNF contributes to protective bactericidal granuloma formation during <i>M. tuberculosis</i> reactivation but is insufficient to sustain structural integrity and bactericidal efficacy.

<p>WT mice (A,D,G,J), TNF^−/− mice (B, E, H) and Tm-TNF mice (C,F,I,K) were infected by aerosol inhalation with 100–200 CFUs/mouse <i>M. tuberculosis</i> H37Rv for 3 weeks preceding chemotherapy with 25 mg/Kg INH-RIF for 6 weeks in drinking water. Lungs were removed at the indicated timepoints and tissue sections stained with haematoxylin and eosin to determine the granulomatous response.