Dormant yet dangerous: the role of cell rest in perseverance

Dormancy is a vital survival strategy employed by cells to endure stressful environments. It is characterized by a significant reduction in metabolic and proliferative activity and can be triggered by various conditions, including low humidity, hypoxia, nutrient deprivation, and pressure from the host immune response. Here, we highlight how tumor cells remain dormant in tissue and how fungi employ this strategy to survive and spread throughout the environment. However, we primarily discuss the dormancy mechanisms of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Cryptococcus neoformans. These pathogens can enter a dormant state, allowing them to persist within the host for long periods. We emphasize the role of fatty acid metabolism and the genes associated with it in supporting dormancy under these stress conditions. Considering that dormancy is a reversible condition, it can occur with a viral co-infection, and the host is in a state of immunosuppression. Understanding the adaptation mechanisms of these pathogens is crucial for developing effective therapeutic approaches. Finally, we discuss some potential strategies for treating the disease, focusing on both active and dormant cells, which is essential for achieving long-term control and possibly eradicating the disease caused by these persistent pathogens.