Exploring the Complex Interactions Among Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, Host, and Antibiotics

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the causative pathogen of tuberculosis (TB), accounts for over ten million infections and over 1 million deaths every year. This persistent pathogen has subtly influenced human history with its slow yet relentless spread across time and space. The intricate complexity of survival and defense between Mtb and the human immune system has evolved over thousands of years, culminating in a complex network of interactions. The introduction of antibiotics introduced a new dimension to this intricate scenario, creating a "triple treat" that involves humans, Mtb, and antibiotics. This problem, characterized by dynamic and unpredictable interactions, currently seems unsolvable.
Taking advantage of combination technologies such as Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), Bioinformatics, and Gene Editing, Our laboratory is trying to decipher the “triple treat”.  By investigating the phase separation necessary for Mtb’s survival, we aim to uncover the principles that govern these interactions. We hope that comprehending these principles is crucial for addressing Mtb’s persistence and the emergence of antibiotic resistance.