Advances in functional transcriptome analysis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: a review

Drug-resistant tuberculosis poses a significant global challenge necessitating the prompt advancement of novel therapeutic options. Nonetheless, disease prognosis is contingent upon multiple factors. mRNA and other small RNAs are essential for gene regulation and disease progression. Additionally, they are essential for the advancement of TB mRNA therapies. The review aims to evaluate the functions of mRNA and various small RNAs, including lncRNA, miRNA, circRNA, and ceRNA, as interconnected components within the mRNA-miRNA-circRNA axis in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In this context, the analysis of various genes expressed during transcription is essential; however, the TB group’s mRNA expression levels of the CXCL10, CXCL9, IL1B, and PLA2G2D genes were substantially higher compared to the control group. In addition, EspC, MetE, and PPE15 increased IgG levels. Besides, the inadequate IgG responses to m-ESAT6 and m-EsxI present a noteworthy research opportunity. Evidence that neutralizing antibodies provide protection against viral infections targeted by mRNA vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic supports this research. mRNA-based vaccination analogues offer potential therapeutic advantages following BCG administration. Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium tuberculosis are efficiently inhibited by the mRNA therapy, namely the repRNA-ID91/ID91 + GLA-SE vaccination, which elicits humoral and cellular immune responses. Therefore, the therapeutic use of mRNA, as demonstrated by numerous studies, suggests its potential as an efficacious therapeutic vaccine subsequent to BCG treatment. Also, investigating the ceRNA network and the relationships among miRNA, circRNA, lncRNA, and mRNA in TB study will improve the management of this infection.