Metabolic dysfunction impairs Mycobacterium tuberculosis-specific cytokine and chemokine responses in latent tuberculosis and type 2 diabetes mellitus

This study investigated how type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and associated metabolic dysfunction alter Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb)-specific cytokine and chemokine responses. The research analysed a cohort of 164 participants with and without DM and/or latent TB infection (LTBI). Results showed that DM was associated with decreased Mtb-specific IFN-γ, TNF, IL-12, IP-10 and MIP-1α, with increased IFN-α compared to non-DM, suggesting impairment of Th1 and inflammatory pathways. The findings imply that metabolic disturbances may compromise Mtb-specific immune responses, potentially increasing TB infection susceptibility. Optimising glycaemic and lipid control may be crucial for restoring immune balance and improving TB outcomes in patients with DM-associated metabolic dysfunction.