Host-pathogen dialogues in different cell death modes during Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is a fatal infectious disease that continues to pose a serious public health threat. The emergence of drug-resistant TB has further worsened the burden of the disease. The interaction between the host and the pathogen involves multiple modes of cell death, which play a role in determining immune outcomes. Several studies have established a strong correlation between cell death and TB progression. This review explores the molecular mechanisms of various cell death modes in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection and how Mtb's virulence effectors regulate these pathways, including apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and necrosis. Furthermore, therapeutic strategies targeting cell death pathways have shown promising results in TB treatment. Importantly, this review highlights the significant potential of mitochondria in mediating communication between different cell death modes and influencing the final outcomes. Overall, this work provides a comprehensive summary of the role of cell death in host immune responses and immune evasion by Mtb. It also offers valuable insights into the pathogenesis of TB and immune evasion strategies employed by Mtb and contributes to the development of more effective anti-TB therapies.