Stem cell-based therapies and organoid models: Advancing tuberculosis treatment and research

Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), remains a global health challenge despite advances in conventional treatments. The limitations of traditional anti-tuberculosis therapies, such as prolonged treatment duration, drug resistance, and tissue damage, necessitate innovative approaches. Stem cell-based therapies have emerged as a promising avenue due to their immunomodulatory, regenerative, and drug-delivery capabilities. This review discussed the pathogenesis of tuberculosis and the potential of various stem cell types, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), in tuberculosis management. It delved into their mechanisms, including immune regulation, tissue repair, and targeted drug delivery. Additionally, this review summarized the application of stem cell-derived organoid technology in establishing in vitro tuberculosis models. These organoids, three-dimensional structures derived from stem cells, mimic the architecture and function of organs like the lungs, providing a platform to study Mtb infection dynamics, host-pathogen interactions, and drug screening. Altogether, stem cell therapy, complemented by organoid-based models, offers transformative potential for advancing tuberculosis treatment and research, particularly for drug-resistant and immunocompromised patients.