The role of DNA repair in M. tuberculosis pathogenesis

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is exposed to multiple genotoxic stresses during host infection. Although crucial for bacillary survival and strain evolution, including the emergence of drug resistance, the mechanisms governing genome maintenance and DNA damage tolerance in M. tuberculosis remain poorly understood. This review highlights evidence for the roles of the major DNA repair pathways in mycobacterial pathogenesis and considers their potential identification as targets for novel compounds, especially those designed to inhibit the evolution of resistance.