Host Long Noncoding RNAs as Key Players in Mycobacteria-Host Interactions.

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Genetics

Background:

• Mycobacterial infections, including tuberculosis (TB) and non-tuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) infections, pose significant global health challenges.
• Effective diagnostics and therapeutics require a deep understanding of host-pathogen interactions.
• Host long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are increasingly recognized as critical regulators in cellular defense mechanisms against bacterial pathogens.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current knowledge on the role of host lncRNAs in mycobacterial infections.
• To explore the intricate relationship between host lncRNAs and pathogens like *Mycobacterium tuberculosis* and NTMs.
• To highlight the potential of lncRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating host lncRNAs in mycobacterial infections.
• Analysis of the role of lncRNAs in regulating cellular responses, particularly in macrophages.
• Synthesis of evidence linking specific lncRNAs to disease pathogenesis.

Main Results:

• Host lncRNAs are key regulators of cellular responses within host cells, especially macrophages, during mycobacterial infections.
• Specific lncRNAs are implicated in the pathogenesis of both TB and NTM infections.
• Evidence suggests lncRNAs influence intracellular survival of mycobacteria.

Conclusions:

• Host lncRNAs play a significant role in the host's response to mycobacterial infections.
• lncRNAs represent promising targets for developing novel host-directed therapies.
• Specific host lncRNAs hold potential as diagnostic biomarkers for TB and other mycobacterial diseases.