Understanding the host epigenetics in Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection

Abstract

Epigenetics denotes to study the heritable changes occurred in the gene function without any changes in DNA sequence. These epigenetic changes are known to be governed by various factors viz. stress, infection, nutrients, drugs and toxicological agents etc. Recently, it has been identified that different microorganisms can cause the epigenetic changes in host. In this review we intend to address about the epigenetic changes occurred in host by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) infection and then elaborate the current state of research about how Mtb. modulates host epigenome. M.tb induced epigenetic modifications which either leads to promote host defense or M.tb survival. Therefore, M.tb can be considered as potential modulator of host epigenome and consequently, these epigenetic changes can be beneficial or disastrous to M.tb. Currently, there is huge advances in sequencing technology and this can lead to a better understanding of the roles of epigenetics in the tuberculosis and other infectious diseases. Subsequently, therapeutic targeting of the epigenome can be potentially helpful in treatment of Mtb infection.