FITC Anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis antibody

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

Mycobacterium tuberculosis sometimes referred to as M. tuberculosis is a pathogenic bacterial species in the Mycobacterium genus. It is the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB) in humans and has a relatively large cellular mass characterized by a thick and complex cell wall rich in mycolic acids. This bacterium expresses in the lungs where it primarily resides in pulmonary macrophages after inhalation. The robust cell wall serves as a barrier against phagocytosis and contributes to its resistance to many antimicrobial agents.

Biological function summary

The bacteria stimulate a host immune response causing the formation of granulomas which are small nodular aggregations of immune cells. Mycobacterium tuberculosis employs several mechanisms to inhibit the lysosomal degradation processes in macrophages. It is part of a complex interplay involving the immune system which tries to control its spread. This interaction allows it to persist in a dormant state within the host making it difficult to eradicate completely and able to reactivate later.

Pathways

Mycobacterium tuberculosis's survival and pathogenicity involve several critical biological processes. The bacteria actively dodge destruction through pathways that inhibit host cell apoptosis and modulate cytokine production. Specific proteins like the 6-kda early secretory antigen target (ESAT-6) and culture filtrate protein 10 (CFP-10) complexes play a vital role in these mechanisms manipulating host immune signaling pathways to facilitate prolonged infection.

Associated diseases and disorders

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is directly associated with tuberculosis a disease that can affect different body organs but most often targets the lungs. The pathogen’s persistence mechanisms implicate it in chronic infections and proteins like Ag85 complex interact with host defenses to further complicate control of the disease. Another disorder linked to its infection is latent TB where the bacteria remain inactive but viable within the host posing ongoing public health challenges.