Emerging insights into CC and CXC chemokines and their receptors in Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection

Chemokines and their cognate receptors are central orchestrators of the immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection. While their overall significance in tuberculosis (TB) is well-established, this review synthesizes recent advances to clarify the distinct roles of CC and CXC chemokines in differentiating active disease, latent infection, and the often overlooked subclinical TB state. We evaluate the potential of specific chemokine signatures as emerging diagnostic biomarkers compared to conventional standards and assess their promise as novel therapeutic targets in personalized clinical settings. Furthermore, we examine paradoxical findings in the field, including how certain chemokines (such as CCL5, CXCL12, and CXCL16) can simultaneously support host defense and facilitate pathogen evasion. By integrating these complex narratives, we offer a renewed perspective on chemokine dynamics in TB immunity, bridge important gaps between bench research and clinical application, and establish a strong foundation for developing precision diagnostics and host-directed therapies.