hostTB

Title: Genetic determinants of host specificity in the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and their contribution to virulence

Research Group: Bacterial Pathogenomics

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the leading pathogen causing adult death worldwide due to tuberculosis disease. M. tuberculosis affects humans but also a wide range of other mammals including humans, cattle, goats,  mice, mercats, suricates, mongoses, seals, chimpanzees, dassies and antilopes. It is well known that the immune system plays a critical role to develop tuberculosis but to our knowledge how specific interactions between bacteria and its host impact disease is still unknown. We therefore will combine in silico and ex-vivo experiments to unmask host-pathogen interactions as a mean to reveal mechanisms of tuberculosis virulence. Deeper knowledge of host specificity will provide vital insights into molecular pathogenesis, the evolution of M. tuberculosis virulence, and the risks of pathogens crossing the species barrier.

Mireia Coscollá Devis

Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades