Research progress in the role of IFN-β production induced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis in immune regulation

Abstract:

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the pathogen of tuberculosis (TB), threatens the health of millions of people worldwide. The pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) including DNA and RNA sensors on immune cells recognize the invaded Mtb to activate the innate immune system and induce the production of interferon-beta (IFN-β). IFN-β is a major effector cytokine in innate antiviral response, while its role in the host response to Mtb infection remains controversial. IFN-β induced by Mtb can promote bacterial growth and improve the bacterial survival in the host. However, IFN-β treatment before Mtb infection can protect the host from bacterial infection. Focusing on the PRR signaling pathways that can recognize Mtb and mediate the IFN-β production, this review expounds the role of IFN-β in mediating the regulation of immune function by Mtb, especially the mutual inhibitory effect between IFN-β and IL-1β, aiming to reveal the pathogenic mechanism of Mtb and facilitate future research and development of anti-TB drugs.