AUTHOR=Crowther Rebecca R. , Qualls Joseph E. 

TITLE=Metabolic Regulation of Immune Responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis: A Spotlight on L-Arginine and L-Tryptophan Metabolism

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Immunology

VOLUME=11

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2020.628432

DOI=10.3389/fimmu.2020.628432

ISSN=1664-3224

ABSTRACT=<p><italic>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</italic> (<italic>Mtb</italic>), the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB), is a leading cause of death worldwide. Despite decades of research, there is still much to be uncovered regarding the immune response to <italic>Mtb</italic> infection. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on anti-<italic>Mtb</italic> immunity, with a spotlight on immune cell amino acid metabolism. Specifically, we discuss L-arginine and L-tryptophan, focusing on their requirements, regulatory roles, and potential use as adjunctive therapy in TB patients. By continuing to uncover the immune cell contribution during <italic>Mtb</italic> infection and how amino acid utilization regulates their functions, it is anticipated that novel host-directed therapies may be developed and/or refined, helping to eradicate TB.</p>