M. tuberculosis Entry and Growth using Macrophage Models

Although the central role for mononuclear phagocytes in the pathogenesis of tuberculosis has been known for a century, the resurgence of tuberculosis in the United States and worldwide over the past two decades has lead to an equally impressive resurgence of research aimed at further defining the molecular events underlying many aspects of the M. tuberculosis (MTB)-mononuclear phagocyte interaction. This chapter summarizes recent advances and compares various in vitro and in vivo models, pointing out strengths and weaknesses. It is clear that monocytes and macrophages differ phenotypically and functionally among mammals and between tissue compartments of the human host in ways that impact on the host response to MTB.