A polymorphism on MR1 has been linked to altered MR1expression, susceptibility to TB and death from meningeal TB.83 The minor allele genotype of the polymorphism was associated with increasedsusceptibility to meningeal TB and higher MR1 expression, suggesting over-activationof MAIT cells may promote inflammation, which may paradoxically be detrimental byresulting in bacterial dissemination from lungs to extra pulmonary sites includingthe central nervous system.83 A possible increase in cerebral inflammation could also be a contributingfactor. This evidence concerns the gene MR1 and meningeal tuberculosis.