Tuberculosis: global approaches to a global disease

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a remarkably successful human pathogen. The interaction with the human host is complex and much remains unknown. Recent advances in systems biology have allowed the integration of data from humans and animal models into computational approaches. For example, mathematical models provide a platform for in silico manipulation of host–pathogen interactions to gain insight into this infection across temporal and biologic scales. Here, we review recent studies on global approaches toward identifying comprehensive responses of both host and bacillus during infection, and the potential for incorporation of these data into many types of useful computational systems. Systems biology approaches provide a unique opportunity to study interventions that may improve therapy and vaccines against this major killer.