Epigenetic programming of host lipid metabolism associates with resistance to TST/IGRA conversion after exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis .

often results in latent TB latent infection (LTBI), subpopulations exist who are either resistant to infection or contain Mtb with IFNγ-independent mechanisms not indicative of LTBI. These resisters provide an opportunity to investigate mechanisms of TB disease and discover novel therapeutic targets. Here, we compare monocyte epigenetic profiles of RSTR and LTBI from a Ugandan household contact cohort. We identify methylation signatures in host lipid and cholesterol pathways with potential relevance to early TB clearance before the sustained IFN responses indicative of LTBI. This adds to a growing body of literature linking TB disease outcomes to host lipids.