Analysis of the contribution of MTP and the predicted Flp pilus genes to Mycobacterium tuberculosis pathogenesis.

ABSTRACT: Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is one of the world's most successful pathogens. Millions of new cases of tuberculosis occur each year, emphasizing the need for better methods of treatment. The design of novel therapeutics is dependent on our understanding of factors that are essential for pathogenesis. Many bacterial pathogens use pili and other adhesins to mediate pathogenesis. The recently identified Mycobacterium tuberculosis pilus (MTP) and the hypothetical, widely conserved Flp pilus have been speculated to be important for Mtb virulence based on in vitro studies and homology to other pili, respectively. However, the roles for these pili during infection have yet to be tested. We addressed this gap in knowledge and found that neither MTP nor the hypothetical Flp pilus is required fo

SUBMITTER: Mann KM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5903211 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature