Tuberculosis Transmission: A Battle Between the Host and the Pathogen

Tuberculosis (TB), a major global health issue, affects millions worldwide with latent and active infections. This airborne disease is transmitted via tiny droplets containing Mycobacterium tuberculosis from infected individuals. A key element in TB's progression is the interaction between the host's immune system and the pathogen, particularly at the molecular and cellular levels. This interaction significantly influences the outcomes of lung colonization and disease transmission, mediated by mechanisms like granuloma formation, which can either contain or facilitate the spread of the bacteria.

This Research Topic aims to delve into the intricate relationship between host immune responses and bacterial factors that impact TB’s transmissibility and disease severity. We intend to uncover the roles various immune cells play in promoting transmission, pinpoint potential cellular reservoirs that contribute to different transmission intensities, and extend studies into the lesser-explored domain of extrapulmonary TB with innovative animal models and improved diagnostic and therapeutic methods.

To achieve a deeper understanding of TB transmission and host defense mechanisms, articles submitted should not only explore but ideally expand on the following areas:

• The dynamics of granuloma formation in TB and its effects on disease transmission.
• Identification and characterization of immune cells crucial to TB survival and proliferation.
• The creation and application of new animal and in vitro models for TB research.
• Research advancements in extrapulmonary TB, covering new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
• Detailed analysis of host-pathogen interactions at molecular and cellular levels specific to TB.

We are looking for contributions that utilize in vivo and ex vivo models, and studies that explore unique cellular conditions promoting TB transmission. Please note that studies focusing on comorbidities such as HIV or diabetes are outside the scope of this topic.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: TB, Transmission, non-pulmonary TB, Animal models of TB, nontubercular mycobacteria, tuberculosis

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.