Exploration of common immune mechanisms and hub genes in latent and active tuberculosis infection

Background Tuberculosis continues to pose a severe global public health challenge. This study aims to explore the shared hub genes of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and active tuberculosis (ATB). Methods The common differentially expressed genes were obtained for LTBI and ATB, followed by PPI network construction for common genes and hub genes identification by LASSO regression analysis. The nomogram based on hub genes was established, and its predictive performance was evaluated by ROC curve analysis and decision curve analysis. Gene set variation analysis (GSVA) and immune characteristics evaluation were performed as well. Results In total, 180 common genes were shared by LTBI and ATB. Based on PPI network and LASSO regression analysis, four hub genes were obtained, including C1QB, MSR1, OLIG3 and TGFB1I1. The nomogram risk prediction models for LTBI and ATB showed significant clinical net benefits across a broad range of threshold probabilities, indicating potential clinical application value. GSVA revealed a highly complex, multi-pathway coordinated immune activation pattern shared by LTBI and ATB. Gamma delta T cell and Type 17 T helper cell may be important participants in the tuberculosis immune response. Conclusion This study identified hub genes shared by LTBI and ATB, laying a solid foundation for future molecular mechanism research and offering a novel perspective for the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis.