Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health challenge, being one of the leading causes of death from infectious diseases. The causative agent, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), has co-evolved with humans for millennia, yet current diagnostic tools, vaccines, and treatments are insufficient to fully mitigate the disease's impact. The interaction between Mtb and host cells, such as macrophages and epithelial cells, initiates a complex immune response that can lead to the formation of granulomas. These structures are intended to contain the infection, but Mtb has developed mechanisms to persist within host cells, including metabolic adaptations and resistance to antimicrobial responses. Despite advances in understanding these interactions, the specific cellular and molecular determinants that influence the outcome of Mtb infection remain incompletely understood. Recent studies highlight the role of host cellular processes, such as metabolism and epigenetic remodeling, in shaping immune responses to Mtb. However, the interplay between these processes and their impact on various clinical outcomes of TB pathogenesis is not fully elucidated, necessitating further research to uncover the underlying mechanisms.
This research topic aims to foster a comprehensive understanding of the host and pathogen determinants that influence TB pathogenesis in general. Examining the characteristics of both the host immune response and Mtb virulence factors would enable the identification of key mechanisms that could be useful for developing improved diagnostic, therapeutic and vaccination strategies. The objective of this research topic is to stimulate discussion and collaboration among researchers to address the gaps in knowledge and explore innovative approaches to TB management.
To gather further insights into the complex interactions between host and pathogen in TB, we welcome original articles, reviews, perspectives, and opinions addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Innate, adaptive, and trained immune responses in various model systems and humans with TB.
- The role of immunometabolism in TB pathogenesis.
- Cellular signaling and networks involved in host cell-Mtb interactions.
- Genes and proteins of Mtb that contribute to TB pathogenesis.
- Identification of target bacterial molecules for potential TB vaccines, drugs, and diagnostics.
- Preclinical and clinical evaluation of potential vaccines and drugs for TB, including host-directed therapies.
- Exploration of various pathophysiological states of TB in model systems and humans.
- The impact of co-morbidities, both infectious and non-infectious, on TB outcomes.
Keywords: Tuberculosis, Mycobacterium, latency, reactivation, subclinical TB, TB, immune response, genetics, virulence, preclinical models, vaccines and drugs
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
