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ESX-1-induced apoptosis during mycobacterial infection: to be or not to be, that is the question

Nacho Aguiló1, Dessislava Marinova1, Carlos Martín1

  • 1Grupo de Genética de Micobacterias, Department of Microbiología, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Universidad de Zaragoza Zaragoza, Spain ; CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias, Instituto de Salud Carlos III Madrid, Spain.

Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
|December 24, 2013
PubMed

Insights

The Mycobacterium tuberculosis virulence factor ESAT-6 promotes apoptosis, a programmed cell death process. This review examines evidence linking ESX-1-mediated apoptosis to tuberculosis virulence and pathogenesis.

Area of Science:

  • Tuberculosis research
  • Cellular microbiology
  • Pathogenesis of infectious diseases

Background:

  • The ESAT-6 protein, a key virulence factor of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is exported via the ESX-1 secretion system.
  • Previous studies suggest ESAT-6 acts as a pro-apoptotic factor, implicating apoptosis in M. tuberculosis pathogenesis.
  • Apoptosis is observed in infected lungs, but its role in mycobacterial infection is debated, with some studies suggesting virulent strains inhibit it.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and synthesize evidence supporting the involvement of ESX-1-induced apoptosis in M. tuberculosis virulence.
  • To provide a rational framework for understanding the role of programmed cell death in the context of M. tuberculosis infection.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing research findings.
  • Analysis of studies investigating ESAT-6, the ESX-1 secretion system, and apoptosis in M. tuberculosis infection.

Main Results:

  • Evidence suggests that ESAT-6, through the ESX-1 system, can induce apoptosis.
  • The role of apoptosis is complex and debated, with potential implications for host-pathogen interactions.

Conclusions:

  • ESX-1-mediated apoptosis is a significant factor to consider in M. tuberculosis virulence.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the precise role of programmed cell death in tuberculosis pathogenesis.
Keywords:
Mycobacterium tuberculosisapoptosisattenuated strainscell deathnecrosisvirulence

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