Host Epigenetic Modifications in Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection: A Boon or Bane

Epigenetics signifies the changes in phenotype without the alteration of genotype. These changes are known to be governed by various factors, namely stress, infection, nutrients, drugs, toxicological agents, etc. Recent studies have demonstrated the impact of microbes capable of modulating the host’s gene function via epigenetic modification. In this review, we intend to address the epigenetic changes transpiring in a host during Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) infection and elaborate on the current state of research describing how M.tb modulates the host epigenome. M.tb-induced epigenetic modifications can either promote host defense or the survival of M.tb. Therefore, M.tb can be considered as a potential modulator of the host epigenome and, consequently, these epigenetic changes can be either beneficial or harmful to M.tb. Due to the advancement in sequencing technologies and bioinformatic tools, the role of epigenetics in tuberculosis and other infectious diseases are being extensively studied, which can subsequently lead to the therapeutic targeting of the epigenome and development of potential drugs for M.tb infection.