SOCS1 is regarded as an important mediator that inhibits IFN-γ secretion by macrophages, which in turn hampers the early clearance of Mtb by macrophages62. Consistent with the results of other studies, our study found higher levels of IL-6 in TPE subjects, which suggested that IL-6, as an important cytokine, may be involved in the formation of TPE and play an important role in the occurrence and development of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). Here, SOCS1 is linked to pulmonary tuberculosis.