TNF and tuberculosis: The level of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha and IL-6) and a regulatory cytokine IL-10 were also significantly higher in both TB groups (in Helm-/TB and Helm+/TB) regardless of helminth infection status compared to Helm-/CCs or Helm+/CCs in unstimulated, PPD stimulated or SEB stimulated PBMCs (S1 Fig), indicating that the level of inflammation was high during active TB and that higher level of IL-10 was concomitantly produced to prevent the excessive inflammation.