Genetic and immunological biomarkers in the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis: A literature review for miRNA and cytokine characterization

There is a sensitive interaction in the relationship between the Mycobacterium tuberculosis that causes tuberculosis disease (TB) and its host. This interaction significantly affects the course of the infection. Unfortunately, scientific studies continue without slowing down this disease, which remains popular among the infectious diseases with the highest mortality rate. Although the importance of genetics and the immune system in the host-bacteria relationship is emphasized, immunopathological events still need to be fully elucidated. The molecular events between Mycobacterium tuberculosis and the host dictate the course of infection. Different expression levels of miRNAs in this infection continue until the polarization of macrophages. In addition, studies have shown that miRNAs also affect cytokine release in this cellular immune process. This review aimed to reveal how M. tuberculosis affects the course of host miRNAs during active infection and how cytokine levels change due to this interaction by reviewing the recent literature. This study will discuss the implications of using miRNA profiles and cytokine levels as biomarkers for the onset, maintenance, and termination of active TB.