Bioengineering: Revealing Host Response to Dormant Mycobacterium Tuberculosis

30 January 2026

Bioengineering news story

In a study published in BMC Genomics, researchers shed light on the complex interactions between the human immune system and dormant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) using an innovative model. The dormant state of Mtb, which can persist within the host for years, poses significant challenges for TB eradication efforts. By employing a THP-1 cell infection model induced by vitamin C, the team aimed to decipher the mechanisms through which the host responds to dormant bacterial states.

The methodology utilized in this research is noteworthy for its reliance on THP-1 cells, a widely used monocyte cell line that mimics primary human macrophages. By inducing dormancy in Mtb with vitamin C, the researchers managed to create a novel model that faithfully represents the conditions under which these bacteria can survive, thus providing insights that were previously elusive. This approach not only enhances the understanding of dormant Mtb but also reflects the growing trend of using alternative methods to gain a clearer picture of host-pathogen interactions.

Read the full news story here.

Source: Bioengineering