Innovative host-directed therapeutic and nanotechnology-based strategies to treat mycobacterium tuberculosis infection

Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), remains a major global health challenge due to its complex host–pathogen interactions and the limitations of conventional antibiotic-based therapies. Mtb survives and persists within host macrophages and granulomas by subverting immune responses, metabolic pathways, and epigenetic regulation. These features highlight the need for alternative therapeutic strategies that extend beyond direct pathogen targeting. Host-directed therapeutic (HDT) approaches have emerged as a promising avenue to modulate immune and cellular pathways that influence bacterial survival and disease progression. In parallel, advances in nanotechnology offer new opportunities to improve therapeutic delivery, intracellular targeting, and lesion penetration in tuberculosis. Together, these developments provide a strong foundation for exploring innovative treatment strategies aimed at improving TB control and patient outcomes.The goal of this Research Topic is to highlight recent advances and emerging concepts in host-directed therapeutic strategies and nanotechnology-based interventions for the treatment of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. This topic aims to provide a platform for basic, translational, and preclinical studies that deepen our understanding of host pathways governing Mtb survival, immune regulation, and disease pathology. Contributions may focus on the identification and modulation of host immune, epigenetic, and metabolic mechanisms that can enhance antimycobacterial responses while minimizing tissue damage.In parallel, the Research Topic seeks to showcase innovative nanotechnology-based approaches designed to overcome key biological barriers in tuberculosis, including intracellular localization of Mtb, hypoxic granulomatous environments, and poor drug penetration. By bringing together diverse perspectives from immunology, cell biology, epigenetics, biomaterials, and nanomedicine, this Research Topic aims to stimulate cross-disciplinary discussion and accelerate the development of next-generation therapeutic strategies that complement existing TB treatment paradigms.This Research Topic welcomes contributions covering, but not limited to, the following areas:• Host-directed therapeutic strategies in tuberculosis• Immunometabolic regulation of macrophage responses during Mtb infection• Epigenetic modulation in TB (HDACs, DNMTs, histone modifications, non-coding RNAs)• Role of hypoxia and HIF signaling in Mtb persistence and granuloma biology• Autophagy, inflammation, and host cell death pathways in TB• Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems for tuberculosis• Macrophage- or granuloma-targeted nanoparticles• Hypoxia-responsive or stimuli-responsive nanocarriers in TB• Nanomaterials for intracellular targeting of Mtb• Preclinical models for evaluating HDT or nanotechnology-based TB therapies• Translational challenges and future directions in TB therapeuticsThis Research Topic welcomes the following article types:Original Research, Review, Mini Review, Perspective, Brief Research Report, Methods and Hypothesis and TheoryAll submissions should provide novel insights into host-directed therapeutic approaches, nanotechnology-based interventions, or their integration for improving tuberculosis treatment outcomes. Topic editors: Aravind Madhavan, Lekshmi K. Edison, Arun K B Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80209/innovative-host-directed-therapeutic-and-nanotechnology-based-strategies-to-treat-mycobacterium-tuberculosis-infection