miRNA in Diagnosis and Therapeutics of Tuberculosis: Importance in Latent and Brain Associated Pathologies

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression and cellular processes, particularly within the immune system.
• Tuberculosis (TB) infection involves Mycobacterium tuberculosis evading host defenses by altering miRNA expression for survival and replication.
• Dysregulated miRNAs are implicated in TB pathogenesis, influencing disease progression and host immune response.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the expression and multifaceted roles of miRNAs in tuberculosis (TB).
• To explore miRNAs as immune modulators, diagnostic biomarkers, and therapeutic targets in TB.
• To highlight miRNA involvement in host-directed therapies for TB.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific articles on miRNAs and tuberculosis.
• Analysis of miRNA expression patterns in different TB infection phases.
• Examination of miRNA functions in immune modulation, autophagy, and apoptosis.

Main Results:

• Altered miRNA expression is crucial for Mycobacterium tuberculosis survival and infectivity within host cells.
• miRNAs can differentiate between latent and active TB infection, serving as potential diagnostic biomarkers.
• miRNA modulation of autophagy and apoptosis presents opportunities for host-directed therapeutic strategies.

Conclusions:

• miRNAs are critical regulators of the immune response to TB and can serve as biomarkers.
• Targeting miRNAs offers a promising avenue for novel diagnostic and therapeutic interventions against TB.
• Further research into miRNA functions can advance host-directed therapies for TB.