Insights into Molecular Interplay in Tuberculosis–COVID-19 Co-Infection via Integrated Multi-Omics Strategies

Abstract

The simultaneous occurrence of tuberculosis (TB) and COVID-19 posed a major public health challenge, particularly in regions heavily impacted by both diseases, due to their shared effects on the lungs, immune system dysfunction, and the possibility of more severe clinical outcomes. The role of immunopathogenesis is crucial in influencing the progression of co-infection, which is marked by heightened inflammation, immune exhaustion, weakened T-cell responses, and unregulated cytokine production. To better understand the intricate interactions between host and pathogen and the immune disruptions associated with this dual epidemic, multi-omics approaches such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, epigenomics, and microbiomics have proven to be effective methods. These comprehensive strategies provide detailed insights into the mechanisms of disease, help identify potential biomarkers, and aid in the identification of therapeutic targets. This review emphasizes the importance of immune responses and systems biology in comprehending the TB-COVID-19 syndemic and highlights the promise of multi-omics in advancing precision medicine and enhancing disease management.