Publications

Expression of mycobacterium tuberculosis induced SOCS3 and STAT3 and the implications on innate immunity in TB patients vs healthy contacts in high TB/HIV endemic setting: A cross-sectional analytical study

PLoS One

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health concern, particularly in regions with high rates of TB and HIV co-infection. Researchers conducted a cross-sectional analytical study to understand how the immune system responds to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (the bacteria that causes TB) in individuals living in such a high TB/HIV endemic setting.
The study focused on two specific proteins: SOCS3 (Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 3) and STAT3 (Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3), which play crucial roles in regulating the body’s immune response.

The research team compared the expression levels of SOCS3 and STAT3 in two groups: TB patients and healthy individuals who had been in contact with TB patients (healthy contacts). By analyzing these two groups, they aimed to better comprehend the implications of these proteins on innate immunity—the body’s first line of defense against infections.
The findings of the study could have significant implications for understanding how the immune system behaves in the context of TB infection, particularly in areas with a high prevalence of TB and HIV. Understanding the roles of SOCS3 and STAT3 in the immune response may open new avenues for the development of targeted therapies to enhance the body’s ability to combat TB.

Ultimately, this research contributes to the growing body of knowledge aimed at improving TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies, potentially leading to more effective interventions in the fight against this deadly infectious disease. It is essential to continue supporting such studies to create a brighter future with reduced TB burden and better healthcare outcomes in high TB/HIV endemic regions.

SANTHE is an Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) flagship programme funded by the Science for Africa Foundation through the DELTAS Africa programme; the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; Gilead Sciences Inc.; and the Ragon Institute of Mass General, MIT, and Harvard.