Post-TB lung disease: pathogenesis, host-directed therapies, and the C3HeB/FeJ model for pre-clinical advances

TL;DR

This paper reviews post-TB lung disease, its impact on respiratory health, and the potential of host-directed therapies and a specific mouse model for research.

Contribution

The paper introduces the C3HeB/FeJ mouse model as a novel tool for pre-clinical PTLD research.

Findings

PTLD affects over half of microbiologically cured TB patients, worsening respiratory health.

Host-directed therapies are identified as promising interventions for PTLD.

The C3HeB/FeJ mouse model is highlighted for advancing pre-clinical PTLD studies.

Abstract

More than half of the people with microbiologically cured tuberculosis (TB) present with post-TB lung disease (PTLD). PTLD compromises long-term respiratory health and adds to the global burden of chronic lung diseases. Despite its prevalence, the mechanisms driving tissue damage in TB are not well understood. In this review, we discuss the global burden of PTLD, evaluate host-directed therapies as promising interventions, and highlight the C3HeB/FeJ mouse model as a powerful tool for advancing pre-clinical PTLD research.