IFNG and tuberculosis: These authors proposed three stages in tuberculosis immunopathogenesis following M. tuberculosis infection: an initial phase of incipient disease characterized by a small peak of IFNγ production in response to RD1 antigens, which in those that initially control the bacillus, is followed by a decline and subsequent plateau of IFNγ levels throughout the duration of bacterial latency, only to rise again and reach the highest levels when active disease ensues.