Ilesanmi Ajibola, Odeniran Oluwasanmi M, Tatsipie Lenora, Osam Duodu Emmanuel, Ankrah Paa Kwesi
Center for Human Systems Immunology, Duke University, Durham, USA.
Food Science Institute, Kansas State University, Manhattan, USA.
Cureus. 2024 Jan 9;16(1):e51955. doi: 10.7759/cureus.51955. eCollection 2024 Jan.
For decades, tuberculosis (TB), caused by (MTB), has remained a global health challenge. Central to this issue are the proline-proline-glutamic acid (PPE) proteins, which play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis and persistence of MTB. This article explores the molecular mechanisms of PPE proteins and their roles in facilitating MTB's evasion of the host's immune system while enhancing virulence and transmission. Focusing on the structural and functional aspects of PPE proteins, this review provides a detailed analysis of antigenic variation, a crucial mechanism allowing MTB to elude immune detection. It also probes the genetic diversity of these PPE proteins and their complex interactions with host immunity, offering insights into the challenges they pose for therapeutic development. This review delves into the potential of targeting PPE proteins in novel therapeutic strategies, discussing the prospects of drug and vaccine development. The evidence reviewed in this article underscores the pressing need for innovative approaches to combat TB, especially in the face of increasing drug resistance. Ultimately, this review article highlights the untapped potential of PPE proteins in revolutionizing TB treatment, paving the way for breakthroughs in drug and vaccine development.
几十年来，由结核分枝杆菌（MTB）引起的结核病一直是一项全球性的健康挑战。脯氨酸 - 脯氨酸 - 谷氨酸（PPE）蛋白是这一问题的核心，它们在MTB的发病机制和持续性中起着关键作用。本文探讨了PPE蛋白的分子机制及其在促进MTB逃避宿主免疫系统的同时增强毒力和传播方面的作用。围绕PPE蛋白的结构和功能方面，本综述详细分析了抗原变异，这是MTB逃避免疫检测的关键机制。它还探究了这些PPE蛋白的遗传多样性及其与宿主免疫的复杂相互作用，揭示了它们对治疗开发构成的挑战。本综述深入探讨了在新型治疗策略中靶向PPE蛋白的潜力，讨论了药物和疫苗开发的前景。本文所综述的证据强调了对抗结核病的创新方法的迫切需求，尤其是面对日益增加的耐药性时。最终，这篇综述文章突出了PPE蛋白在革新结核病治疗方面尚未开发的潜力，为药物和疫苗开发的突破铺平了道路。
