Most of the studies evaluating the function of tuberculosis (TB)-specific T cells were only based on the ability to produce cytokines, which may not fully reflect the function of T cells. In the present study, we confirmed that Bacille Calmette Guerin (BCG) could significantly induce cytokine production by CD4(+) T cells from BCG-vaccinated PPD(+) donors. In addition, CD4(+) T cells were activated, divided and proliferated in response to BCG stimulation. Phenotypic analysis showed that IFN-γ(+)CD4(+) T cells displayed CD45RA(-)CCR7(+/-)CD62L(-), indicating that these CD4(+) T cells were central and effector memory cells. The analysis of cytokine profiles demonstrated that most of BCG-specific BrdU(+)CD4(+) T cells produced Th1 cytokines in response to polyclonal stimulation. In addition, we found that regulatory T cells (Treg) suppressed BCG-induced proliferation and IFN-γ production by memory CD4(+) T cells. The suppressive effects of Treg on BCG-specific responses of CD4(+) T cells could be partially reversed by blocking the production of IL-10. Taken together, our results demonstrated that functional central and effector memory BCG-specific CD4(+) T cells could be detected based on the activation, proliferation and division of these cells, and modulated by Treg in PBMCs from BCG-vaccinated PPD(+) donors.
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