| This study describes the effects of RelMtb on the expression of Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens. Rel Mtb is a global regulator that coordinates the stringent response in M. tuberculosis. The main objective of this work was to find a correlation between the presence of RelMtb and the expression of antigens that could modulate the immune response of the host. Finding this link will provide evidence that RelMtb contributes to the pathogenesis and virulence of M. tuberculosis.;This work focused on two antigens that appear to be regulated by Rel Mtb: Glutamine synthetase (GlnA1) and Antigen 84 (Wag31Mtb). GlnA1 plays an essential role in nitrogen metabolism while Wag31Mtb participates in the process of cell division. The results presented here demonstrate that mycobacterial cells lacking Rel have a decreased production of both of these antigens. The lower concentrations of GlnA1 and Wag31Mtb could have an impact on intracellular survival, as well as an effect on the interactions of the mycobacterial cells with the immune mechanisms of the host. The work presented here provides preliminary data that can be used as the foundation to explore further: The v role of GlnA1 in the pathogenesis of M. tuberculosis, in particular on the production of P-L-glx and on the regulation of the intraphagosomal environment; and the potential of Wag31Mtb as an antigen and as inducer of phagocytosis. These features could be exploited in the development of vaccines and anti-tuberculosis drugs.;In conclusion, the findings presented here support the hypothesis that RelMtb participates in the regulation of a wide variety of genes, including several involved in pathogenesis, antigenicity, and virulence. Accordingly, this work contributes to the field of mycobacteriology by providing more evidence of the significant role of RelMtb in the physiology and pathogenesis of M. tuberculosis. |
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