Virulence Mechanisms of : Current Knowledge and Implications for Vaccine Design.

is a member of the non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) group, responsible for chronic infections in individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) or those otherwise immunocompromised. While viewed traditionally as an opportunistic pathogen, increasing research into in recent years has highlighted its continued evolution into a true pathogen. This is demonstrated through an extensive collection of virulence factors (VFs) possessed by this organism which facilitate survival within the host, particularly in the harsh environment of the CF lung. These include VFs resembling those of other Mycobacteria, and non-mycobacterial VFs, both of which make a notable contribution in shaping interaction with the host. continued acquisition of VFs is cause for concern and highlights the need for novel vaccination strategies to combat this pathogen. An effective vaccine must be suitably designed for target populations (i.e., individuals with CF) and incorporate current knowledge on immune correlates of protection against infection. Vaccination strategies must also build upon lessons learned from ongoing efforts to develop novel vaccines for other pathogens, particularly (); decades of research into has provided insight into unconventional and innovative vaccine approaches that may be applied to . Continued research into pathogenesis will be critical for the future development of safe and effective vaccines and therapeutics to reduce global incidence of this emerging pathogen.