Role of host- and pathogen-associated lipids in directing the immune response in mycobacterial infections, with emphasis on Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis. (3rd March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Thirunavukkarasu, Shyamala; de Silva, Kumudika; Plain, Karren M.; J. Whittington, Richard
• Is Part Of: Critical reviews in microbiology. Volume 42:Number 2(2016)
• Page Start: 262
• Page End: 275
• Publication Date: 2016-03-03
• Subjects: Cell wall lipids -- cholesterol -- energy metabolism -- mycobacteria -- virulence; Microbiology -- Periodicals; Microbiology -- Periodicals; Review Literature -- Periodicals; 579
• DOI: 10.3109/1040841X.2014.932327
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1040-841X

Abstract

Abstract: Mycobacteria have a complex cell wall with a high lipid content that confers unique advantages for bacterial survival in the hostile host environment, leading to long-term infection. There is a wealth of evidence suggesting the role cell wall-associated lipid antigens play at the host–pathogen interface by contributing to bacterial virulence. One pathway that pathogenic mycobacteria use to subvert host immune pathways to their advantage is host cholesterol/lipid homeostasis. This review focuses on the possible role of pathogen- and host-associated lipids in the survival and persistence of pathogenic mycobacteria with emphasis on Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis . We draw upon literature in diverse areas of infectious and metabolic diseases and explain a mechanism by which mycobacterial-induced changes in the host cellular energy state could account for phenomena that are a hallmark of chronic mycobacterial diseases.