Characterization of PPE19 as a novel mediator of <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i>-macrophage interactions.

ABSTRACT: Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is a highly adapted human pathogen capable of manipulating host immunity. This study demonstrates that PPE19, a member of the PE/PPE protein family, facilitates Mtb adhesion to, and invasion of murine macrophages. PPE19-coated microspheres showed enhanced uptake by macrophages compared to control beads, while Mtb overexpressing ppe19 (Rv1361c) was phagocytosed at a significantly greater rate than WT Mtb. ppe19 is identified as pH responsive and displays reduced expression following macrophage entry. CRISPR interference-mediated knockdown of two highly related PPE proteins, ppe18 (Rv1196) and ppe60 (Rv3478), revealed an additive reduction in Mtb's ability to invade host macrophages, indicating a potential functional relatio

SUBMITTER: De Voss CJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12482190 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature