Tuberculous Meningitis Genetic predisposition: Understanding cellular interactions, molecular mechanisms and genetic dimensions.

Abstract

Tuberculous meningitis, a severe form of tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (BK), remains a major public health challenge worldwide. In addition to the complex mechanisms of the innate and adaptive immune response against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, there is a crucial genetic dimension to consider. Individuals with specific genetic variations may have altered immune responses that make them more susceptible to this form of tuberculosis. Genetic mutations in genes encoding surface receptors, adaptor proteins, kinases, transcription factors, nucleic receptors and other molecules involved in cellular interactions and molecular mechanisms have been associated with susceptibility to TB. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of immune interactions in host response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis is crucial to understanding the genetic dimension in susceptibility to tuberculosis, particularly its dreaded form of tuberculous meningitis. The aim of this update is to explore in details the key interactions between the main players in innate and adaptive immunity during infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, with particular emphasis on the genetic factors associated with susceptibility to tuberculosis, especially its dreaded form of tuberculous meningitis.