Host Response in Tuberculosis (J3)

Tuberculosis remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Control of the epidemic is hampered by limited understanding of basic processes underlying disease and protection. This symposium will focus on this basic science in humans. Our themes will include immune processes that have emerged as important for pathogenesis or protection, rather than focusing on classical compartments of the immune system. Translation of basic science advances into novel strategies to prevent and manage human tuberculosis will also be discussed. Animal models have been critical for advancing knowledge of tuberculosis pathogenesis and control. This preclinical progress will be discussed; however, we will require an emphasis of direct relevance to human tuberculosis in each presentation. The meeting will be held jointly with one on Granulomas in Infectious and Non-Infectious Diseases, which is also the pathologic hallmark of tuberculosis. This will provide an opportunity for learning about other granulomatous systems, particularly how this knowledge may be applied for progress in understanding tuberculosis. Our brief specific aims for this meeting are: 1) Present and discuss cutting edge tuberculosis research on host responses; 2) Foster a better understanding of human tuberculosis, even if animal models are used; and 3) Focus on gaps in knowledge about the events in natural infection, as well as vulnerability points for intervening in the infection process.