Chemical Genomics of Intracellular Mycobacteria (CGIM)

Mycobacteria are microbes that cause serious infectious diseases such as tuberculosis (TB), leprosy, and Buruli ulcer, affecting millions worldwide each year. Among these, TB, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) complex, is a major public health issue, tied with HIV as the leading infectious cause of death globally. Understanding how these bacteria invade and survive within target cells is crucial for developing effective treatments. TB management often follows a "one size fits all" approach, but the complexity of antibiotic regimens and control measures—particularly in low-income countries, where nearly 90% of cases occur—contributes to persistent endemicity and the rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains. To address these challenges, research focuses on host-pathogen interactions and the host immune response to Mtb infection, paving the way for innovative solutions such as host-directed therapies (HDT), supported by advanced phenotypic high-content screening techniques.