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The Enigmatic PE/PPE Multigene Family of Mycobacteria and Tuberculosis Vaccination

Michael J Brennan1

  • 1Aeras, Rockville, Maryland, USA mbrennan@aeras.org.

Infection and Immunity
|March 29, 2017
PubMed

Insights

The PE/PPE antigens of Mycobacterium tuberculosis are key to its pathogenesis and immune evasion. Studying these abundant, homologous antigens is complex but crucial for developing new tuberculosis vaccines and drugs.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis possesses a unique family of abundant antigens known as PE/PPEs.
  • Some PE/PPE antigens are exclusively found in pathogenic mycobacteria, suggesting a role in disease causation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of PE/PPE antigens in the pathogenesis and immunology of tuberculosis.
  • To explore the potential of PE/PPE antigens as targets for novel vaccines and therapeutics.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of PE/PPE antigen expression and localization.
  • Investigation of host immune responses (antibody and T cell) to PE/PPE antigens.
  • Assessment of PE/PPE antigen involvement in immune evasion and antigenic variation.

Main Results:

  • PE/PPE antigens are abundant and located at the cell surface.
  • These antigens elicit both humoral and cellular immune responses.
  • Evidence suggests PE/PPEs may contribute to immune evasion and antigenic variation.

Conclusions:

  • PE/PPE antigens are significant factors in Mycobacterium tuberculosis pathogenesis and immune modulation.
  • The complexity and homology of PE/PPEs present challenges for targeted therapeutic and vaccine development.
  • Further research into PE/PPE antigens is essential for advancing tuberculosis treatment strategies.
Keywords:
PE/PPE family of genestuberculosisvaccines

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