biostudies-literatureNolan STNIAID NIH HHSe13773https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC2966435biostudies-literatureUnknown5(10)<h4>Background</h4>M. bovis Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG), currently the only available vaccine against tuberculosis (TB), fails to adequately protect individuals from active and latent TB infection. New vaccines are desperately needed to decrease the worldwide burden of TB.<h4>Methods and findings</h4>We created a recombinant strain of BCG that overproduces an L,D-transpeptidase in order to alter the bacterial peptidoglycan layer and consequently increase the ability of this immunogen to protect against virulent M. tuberculosis (Mtb). We demonstrate that this novel recombinant BCG protects mice against virulent Mtb at least as well as control BCG, as measured by its ability to reduce bacterial burden in lungs and spleen, reduce lung histopathology, and prolong survival. A nutrient starvedPloS oneProtective efficacy of BCG overexpressing an L,D-transpeptidase against M. tuberculosis infection.PMC2966435R56 AI087749Lamichhane GNolan STfalseProtective efficacy of BCG overexpressing an L,D-transpeptidase against M. tuberculosis infection.<h4>Background</h4>M. bovis Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG), currently the only available vaccine against tuberculosis (TB), fails to adequately protect individuals from active and latent TB infection. New vaccines are desperately needed to decrease the worldwide burden of TB.<h4>Methods and findings</h4>We created a recombinant strain of BCG that overproduces an L,D-transpeptidase in order to alter the bacterial peptidoglycan layer and consequently increase the ability of this immunogen to protect against virulent M. tuberculosis (Mtb). We demonstrate that this novel recombinant BCG protects mice against virulent Mtb at least as well as control BCG, as measured by its ability to reduce bacterial burden in lungs and spleen, reduce lung histopathology, and prolong survival. A nutrient starved2010-01-01T00:00:00Z2010 Oct2025-04-05T00:26:39.58Z2019-03-26T23:09:05ZS-EPMC29664352104893610.1371/journal.pone.0013773