Analyses of mycobacterial virulence mechanisms and the host response

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The immune system's primary role is to protect the body from various invading organisms, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and multicellular parasites. To combat this wide array of pathogens, mammals have developed diverse strategies involving both soluble (humoral) and cellular components (leukocytes), which work in a coordinated manner. The innate immune system targets conserved features of invaders and remains relatively constant, while the adaptive immune system is highly flexible, adapting to the ever-changing characteristics of pathogens. Together, these two arms of the immune system provide efficient protection. However, the body must carefully regulate these powerful mechanisms to prevent self-attack, as failure in this regulation can lead to autoimmune diseases or immunopathology. This is particularly evident during infections, where the immune response intended to eliminate pathogens can become excessive, causing damage to the body and potentially leading to death. Immunopathology is common in bacterial infections, often resulting in inflammation. When bacteria invade, local cells release cytokines and chemokines to recruit additional leukocytes and regulate their responses. The movement of leukocytes from the blood to the infection site, along with necessary tissue changes, can lead to inflammation that, if left unchecked, may become dangerously severe.