Tuberculosis continues to be a significant public health issue, ranking among the top 10 leading causes of death worldwide, with over a million patients dying from tuberculosis each year. The conventional treatment for tuberculosis involves the prolonged use of antibiotics; however, this approach has revealed its limitations, with poor success rates, the emergence of drug-resistant strains, and low treatment adherence being major concerns. In addition, the co-existence of TB with other diseases such as HIV-infection and diabetes necessitates a more intricate treatment approach.

In this context, Host-Directed Therapies (HDTs) have emerged as a promising avenue. Understanding the complex interplay between host factors and M. tuberculosis is crucial. Research has unveiled key host pathways, such as inflammation, autophagy, and immune regulation, that can be harnessed for therapeutic benefit. HDTs aim to tip the balance in favour of the host, promoting faster pathogen clearance and reduced tissue damage. This Research Topic delves into the exciting realm of HDTs, exploring novel approaches combat TB through host-centered interventions.

The goal of this Research Topic is to address the pressing need for innovative approaches to tackle tuberculosis, particularly in the context of drug-resistant strains and persistent infections. Our aim is to bring together cutting-edge research on HDTs, shedding light on the mechanisms underlying host-pathogen interactions and the development and evaluation of host-targeted interventions.

The scope of this Research Topic is to advance our knowledge of HDT as a novel approach to combat tuberculosis. This includes:

• Identification and characterization of host factors and host-pathogen interactions along with their pathways that can be targeted for HDTs

• Preclinical and clinical studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of HDT candidates

• Evaluate HDT-antibiotic combinations

• Exploring the efficacy of HDTs in TB co-infections, such as tuberculosis-HIV co-infection or TB and diabetes co-morbidity.

• Novel technologies and approaches for monitoring and evaluating the outcomes of HDT interventions in tuberculosis.

• Improvement of cellular and animal models for HDT

We encourage submissions that foster cross-disciplinary collaboration and provide a comprehensive overview of the current state and future prospects of HDTs in TB management. This research topic welcomes the submission of Original Articles, Reviews, Methodologies, Perspectives and Case Reports. Join us in advancing this exciting field and contributing to the fight against tuberculosis.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Beyond Antibiotics: Host-Directed Therapies in Tuberculosis Control