The PE/PPE family proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: evolution, function, and prospects for tuberculosis control
Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), remains a leading global health threat, exacerbated by drug resistance and inadequate vaccine efficacy. The PE/PPE protein family, unique to mycobacteria, constitutes ~10% of the Mtb genome and plays critical roles in bacterial physiolog...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Immunology |
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2025.1606311/full |
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| author | Zhijing Zhang Zhijing Zhang Le Dong Xin Li Taibing Deng Qinglan Wang |
| author_facet | Zhijing Zhang Zhijing Zhang Le Dong Xin Li Taibing Deng Qinglan Wang |
| author_sort | Zhijing Zhang |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), remains a leading global health threat, exacerbated by drug resistance and inadequate vaccine efficacy. The PE/PPE protein family, unique to mycobacteria, constitutes ~10% of the Mtb genome and plays critical roles in bacterial physiology, immune evasion, and host-pathogen interactions. This review synthesizes advances in understanding the evolutionary expansion, structural diversity, and functional versatility of PE/PPE proteins, emphasizing their co-evolution with type VII secretion systems (T7SS). We highlight their roles in nutrient acquisition, immune modulation, and pathogenesis, alongside their potential as diagnostic and vaccine targets. Clinical progress in PE/PPE-based vaccines, such as M72/AS01E and ID93/GLA-SE, underscores their promise in combating TB, while challenges in epitope variability and functional redundancy demand innovative strategies. By integrating evolutionary, structural, and immunological insights, this review provides a roadmap for leveraging PE/PPE biology to develop next-generation TB interventions. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-e1630572f2384219ab04d2e7634b7f0a |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 1664-3224 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Frontiers in Immunology |
| spelling | doaj-art-e1630572f2384219ab04d2e7634b7f0a2025-08-20T02:07:12ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Immunology1664-32242025-06-011610.3389/fimmu.2025.16063111606311The PE/PPE family proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: evolution, function, and prospects for tuberculosis controlZhijing Zhang0Zhijing Zhang1Le Dong2Xin Li3Taibing Deng4Qinglan Wang5Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, ChinaWest China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, ChinaCollege of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, ChinaSchool of Clinical Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, ChinaSchool of Clinical Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, ChinaInstitute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, ChinaTuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), remains a leading global health threat, exacerbated by drug resistance and inadequate vaccine efficacy. The PE/PPE protein family, unique to mycobacteria, constitutes ~10% of the Mtb genome and plays critical roles in bacterial physiology, immune evasion, and host-pathogen interactions. This review synthesizes advances in understanding the evolutionary expansion, structural diversity, and functional versatility of PE/PPE proteins, emphasizing their co-evolution with type VII secretion systems (T7SS). We highlight their roles in nutrient acquisition, immune modulation, and pathogenesis, alongside their potential as diagnostic and vaccine targets. Clinical progress in PE/PPE-based vaccines, such as M72/AS01E and ID93/GLA-SE, underscores their promise in combating TB, while challenges in epitope variability and functional redundancy demand innovative strategies. By integrating evolutionary, structural, and immunological insights, this review provides a roadmap for leveraging PE/PPE biology to develop next-generation TB interventions.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2025.1606311/fullMycobacterium tuberculosisPE/PPEevolutionouter membraneporinvaccine |
| spellingShingle | Zhijing Zhang Zhijing Zhang Le Dong Xin Li Taibing Deng Qinglan Wang The PE/PPE family proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: evolution, function, and prospects for tuberculosis control Frontiers in Immunology Mycobacterium tuberculosis PE/PPE evolution outer membrane porin vaccine |
| title | The PE/PPE family proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: evolution, function, and prospects for tuberculosis control |
| title_full | The PE/PPE family proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: evolution, function, and prospects for tuberculosis control |
| title_fullStr | The PE/PPE family proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: evolution, function, and prospects for tuberculosis control |
| title_full_unstemmed | The PE/PPE family proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: evolution, function, and prospects for tuberculosis control |
| title_short | The PE/PPE family proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: evolution, function, and prospects for tuberculosis control |
| title_sort | pe ppe family proteins of mycobacterium tuberculosis evolution function and prospects for tuberculosis control |
| topic | Mycobacterium tuberculosis PE/PPE evolution outer membrane porin vaccine |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2025.1606311/full |
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