Identification of unique key genes and miRNAs in latent tuberculosis infection by network analysis.

•A unique aberrant miRNA-gene regulatory network and the related PPI network were constructed in PBMCs of individuals with LTBI.•The analysis of networks may provide insight into the molecular mechanisms of the immune response to LTBI.•MAPK1 expression was correlated with the clinicopathological characteristics of LTBI and it may be a potential marker during LTBI.•In consideration that MAPK1 and hsa-miR-212-3p might strongly activate the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway for LTBI.