Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 17, 2026

A 3D Human Lung Tissue Model for Functional Studies on Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection
Published on: October 5, 2015
Human Genomics of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection and Disease
Marianna Orlova1,2,3, Erwin Schurr1,2,3
1Program in Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Purpose Of Review:
The study of the genetic basis of tuberculosis pathogenesis has benefited from powerful technological innovations, a more structured definition of latent and clinical manifestations of the disease, and the application of functional genomics approaches. This short review aims to summarize recent advances and to provide a link with results of previous human genetic studies of tuberculosis susceptibility.
Recent Findings:
Transcriptomics has been shown to be a useful tool to predict progression from latency to clinical disease while functional genomics has traced the molecular events that link pathogen-triggered gene expression and host genetics. Resistance to infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis has been revealed to be strongly impacted by host genetics. Host genomics of clinical disease has been shown to be most powerful when focusing on carefully selected clinical entities and possibly by considering host pathogen combinations.
Summary:
Future studies need to build on the latest molecular findings to define disease subtypes to successfully elucidate the human genetic component in tuberculosis pathogenesis.
Related Concept Videos
Pulmonary Tuberculosis II
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
Pulmonary Tuberculosis V
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the...

