Epigenetic Reprogramming of cells in Tuberculosis: A Potential Diagnostic Biomarker

Epigenetic Reprogramming of cells in Tuberculosis: A Potential Diagnostic Biomarker

Adiva Bello, supervised by Leda Mirbahai

This research investigates whether epigenetic changes, particularly alterations in DNA methylation, can be used to predict the progression of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) to active TB. Identifying methylation changes associated with progression could provide an early indication of an individuals risk of developing active disease, potentially allowing treatment to be targeted earlier and improving clinical outcomes. Individuals with LTBI represent a particularly relevant population for this approach, as they have already been exposed to and infected with mycobacterium tuberculosis, allowing research to focus on why some individuals progress to active disease while others remain latent. This research therefore examines DNA methylation patterns in pulmonary immune cells, including alveolar macrophages and T cells, which are among the host cells that naturally encounter M. Tuberculosis. This approach aims to characterise the hosts Epigenetic response to infection, rather than simply detecting the presence of the pathogen itself.