Type I interferons in tuberculosis pathogenesis and prevention

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) remains an epidemiological concern due to heterogeneous outcomes in tuberculosis (TB) pathology and the lack of mechanistic understanding of early immune events. Type I interferons (IFNs) in TB are generally described as pathological. However, evidence also suggests a protective role in vaccination and adjunctive to chemotherapy. Understanding Type I IFN signaling in Mtb-host interactions is therefore critical as it is among the earliest signatures of progressive infection. Crosstalk between Type I and II IFN signaling during TB may also be key to disease outcome. This review explores our current understanding of the role of Type I IFNs in Mtb infection and vaccination and offers the IFN type switching model, among others, to explain the duality of IFNs' function in TB.