Final answer:
In tuberculosis, much of the lung tissue damage is caused by the release of destructive enzymes by macrophages.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of tuberculosis and the resulting lung tissue damage, much of this damage is attributed to the release of destructive enzymes by macrophages. During an immune response, inflammation plays a crucial role, and macrophages are among the essential cells of the innate immune system that engage in eliminating pathogens.
They engulf and digest invading microbes, but in the process of fighting the infection, they can release enzymes and toxic products that inadvertently damage surrounding tissues. This is a double-edged sword of the immune system, where the response to protect the body can lead to pathological changes and contribute to the symptoms of a disease.