MicroRNA-1246 regulates macrophage lipid metabolism and is involved in resistance to human Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.

Downregulation of miRNA-1246 in healthy household contacts is linked to resistance to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.

• Why it matters: Understanding molecular mechanisms of resistance can inform new strategies to prevent tuberculosis infection, addressing gaps in host immunity research.
• What they did: The study involved 460 household contacts of TB patients, with transcriptome sequencing at baseline and 24 months, identifying miRNA-1246 as downregulated in resistant individuals.
• The result: Inhibiting miRNA-1246 reduces Mtb growth in macrophages by enhancing glycolytic activity and lipid metabolism, suggesting potential for miRNA-targeted therapies to boost immunity.