| Summary: | Given that infection with <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i> (<i>Mtb</i>) is the leading cause of death amongst individuals living with HIV, understanding the complex mechanisms by which <i>Mtb</i> exacerbates HIV infection may lead to improved treatment options or adjuvant therapies. While it is well-understood how HIV compromises the immune system and leaves the host vulnerable to opportunistic infections such as <i>Mtb</i>, less is known about the interplay of disease once active <i>Mtb</i> is established. This review explores how glutathione (GSH) depletion, T cell exhaustion, granuloma formation, and TNF-α upregulation, as a result of <i>Mtb</i> infection, leads to an increase in HIV disease severity. This review also examines the difficulties of treating coinfected patients and suggests further research on the clinical use of GSH supplementation.
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