Neutrophils from Protection to Pathogenesis in Tuberculosis

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) evades host immunity for successful infection.
• Neutrophils are abundant in TB granulomas and linked to disease severity.
• The role of neutrophils in TB pathogenesis is less understood than macrophages and T cells.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on neutrophils in TB pathogenesis.
• To highlight outstanding questions regarding neutrophil involvement in TB.
• To explore Mtb's strategies to evade neutrophil responses.

Main Methods:

• In vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies of neutrophil function in TB.
• Review of emerging neutrophil biology concepts (heterogeneity, metabolism, maturation).
• Analysis of Mtb's immune evasion mechanisms targeting neutrophils.

Main Results:

• Neutrophil abundance correlates with TB disease severity.
• Mtb actively modulates neutrophils to ensure its persistence.
• Neutrophil responses are critical in shaping the balance between immune control and bacterial persistence.

Conclusions:

• Neutrophils are vital immune cells in TB pathogenesis.
• Further understanding of neutrophil-Mtb interactions can lead to improved TB therapies and diagnostics.
• Emerging concepts in neutrophil biology offer new avenues for TB research.