IFNG and tuberculosis: IL-18 has an important function in TB as a pro-inflammatory cytokine (59); it plays an important role in the T-cell-helper type 1 (Th1) response, primarily by its ability to induce IFN-γ production in T cells and natural killer (NK) cells (60) and in combination with IL-12 triggers the antimicrobial protein cathelicidin and autophagy, resulting in inhibition of intracellular mycobacteria in macrophages and lung epithelial cells (61).