Challenges of Treating Tuberculosis
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is increasingly resistant to existing antibiotics, making treatment less effective.
TB treatment requires a long course of antibiotics, complicating adherence.
Mtb has coevolved with humans for thousands of years, allowing it to adapt and evade the immune system.
Strategies Researchers Are Employing
Researchers are studying Mtb to find key proteins that can be targeted for new drug development.
By learning how Mtb survives in harsh conditions, scientists aim to disrupt its protective strategies.
Investigating cysteine synthase enzymes and other mechanisms may lead to the creation of more effective antibiotics.
Coevolution of Mtb with Humans
Mtb has existed alongside humans for at least 70,000 years, leading to advanced adaptations.
The long history has allowed Mtb to develop ways to trick and survive within the human immune system.
Cysteine Synthase Enzymes
These enzymes help Mtb synthesize cysteine, an amino acid vital for producing antioxidants.
By producing cysteine, Mtb can withstand oxidative stress caused by immune responses.
Other Aspects of Mtb's Survival Mechanisms
Mtb thrives inside macrophages, which are meant to destroy pathogens, by avoiding immune attacks.
Mtb can survive nutrient-poor conditions, showing remarkable metabolic flexibility.
Mtb's strong cell wall protects it from oxidative stress and immune responses.
Mtb can erase the immune memory of macrophages, preventing them from effectively responding to reinfection.
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