Mycobacterium tuberculosis-macrophage interaction: Molecular updates

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the causative agent of Tuberculosis (TB), remains a pathogen of great interest on a global scale. This airborne pathogen affects the lungs, where it interacts with macrophages. Acidic pH, oxidative and nitrosative stressors, and food restrictions make the macrophage's internal milieu unfriendly to foreign bodies. Mtb subverts the host immune system and causes infection due to its genetic arsenal and secreted effector proteins. In vivo and in vitro research have examined Mtb-host macrophage interaction. This interaction is a crucial stage in Mtb infection because lung macrophages are the first immune cells Mtb encounters in the host. This review summarizes Mtb effectors that interact with macrophages. It also examines how macrophages control and eliminate Mtb and how Mtb manipulates macrophage defense mechanisms for its own survival. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Automated summary

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the causative agent of TB, interacts with macrophages in the lungs, subverting the host immune system and causing infection. This review examines Mtb effectors that interact with macrophages and how macrophages control and eliminate Mtb, as well as how Mtb manipulates macrophage defense mechanisms for its own survival. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.