Book Description

The macrophage (or “big eater”) is often considered the first cell type to encounter the causative agent of Tuberculosis (TB), Mycobacterium tuberculosis, upon entry to the lung. Once inside the macrophage the tubercle bacillus can survive and even replicate where many other invading pathogens perish. Recent research suggests the bacilli adapts within this hostile environment, treating the macrophage like a Trojan horse. Indeed, cutting-edge techniques have revealed that the degree of bacterial heterogeneity and resistance to antibiotics changes within the macrophage. M. tuberculosis spends most of its life cycle within the macrophage and has adopted specific mechanisms to survive, egress and to recruit more of this niche cell (eg the Type VII secretion system ESX-1). Understanding the host-pathogen interaction in tuberculous infection is key to understanding TB, which remains the number one cause of death from a bacterial infection. In this research topic we aim to cover advances in understanding how the tubercle bacillus adapts and survives within the host cell. Determining the responsible mechanisms may reveal novel ways to target this deadly pathogen and halt its adaptation and transformation within these potentially destructive or permissive cells.