CD4 and tuberculosis: This risk of active TB continues to increase in the upcoming years as the CD4 number is decreased.147 These findings are also in line with the central role of cellular immune response in structural lung damage and cavity formation in TB.148 Mechanistically, MMPs are the main players in TB‐associated lung tissue destruction.18, 34 However, lower MMP levels and reduced TB‐associated lung damage were seen radiographically in TB/HIV co‐infection.64 Variable MMP activity has been shown in HIV‐1‐infected and HIV‐1‐uninfected TB individuals.