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[Genetics and immunity of tuberculosis]
N Remus1, J El Baghdadi, L Abel
1Laboratoire de génétique humaine des maladies infectieuse, faculté de médecine Necker-Enfants-Malades, université Paris-René-Descartes, Inserm U550, 75015 Paris, France.
Summary
Host genetics significantly influence tuberculosis severity, impacting susceptibility to Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other mycobacteria. Genetic factors create a spectrum of predisposition, from complex to Mendelian inheritance.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Microbiology
Context:
- Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global health issue caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
- Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are environmental species that can cause severe infections in immunocompromised individuals.
- Host immune status and genetic makeup are critical determinants of mycobacterial disease severity.
Purpose:
- To review genetic factors influencing predisposition to tuberculosis.
- To explore genes involved in Mendelian predisposition to diseases caused by less virulent mycobacteria.
- To propose a continuous spectrum of genetic predisposition to mycobacterial infections.
Summary:
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes the most common mycobacterial disease worldwide.
- Environmental mycobacteria, or nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), can cause severe infections in immunocompromised hosts.
- Disease severity is influenced by host genetics, not solely by mycobacterial virulence.
Impact:
- Highlights the crucial role of host genetics in determining susceptibility and resistance to mycobacterial diseases.
- Provides insights into the genetic basis of both complex tuberculosis predisposition and Mendelian predisposition to NTM infections.
- Establishes a framework for understanding a continuous spectrum of genetic influence on mycobacterial disease outcomes.