Title:Cell Wall Associated Factors of Mycobacterium tuberculosis as Major Virulence Determinants: Current Perspectives in Drugs Discovery and Design
VOLUME: 18 ISSUE: 16
Author(s):Gurdyal Singh, Arbind Kumar, Pratibha Maan and Jagdeep Kaur*
Affiliation:Department of Biotechnology, Sector 25, BMS Block-1, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, Department of Biotechnology, Sector 25, BMS Block-1, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, Department of Biotechnology, Sector 25, BMS Block-1, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, Department of Biotechnology, Sector 25, BMS Block 1, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014
Keywords:Cell wall, pathogenesis, anti TB regimens, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, drug design, drug discovery.
Abstract:Background: Mycobacteria genus is responsible for deadly diseases like tuberculosis and
leprosy. Cell wall of bacteria belonging to this genus is unique in many ways. It plays a major role in
the pathogenesis and intracellular survival inside the host. In intracellular pathogens, their cell wall
acts as molecular shield and interacts with host cell milieu to modulate host defense responses.
Objectives: In this review, we summarize the factors that participate in the biosynthesis of unique mycobacterial
cell wall, understand their potential as drug targets and the recent developments where
they have been evaluated as possible drug targets.
Results: Several cell wall associated factors that play crucial roles in the synthesis of cell wall components
like Antigen 85 complex, Glycosyltransferases (GTs), LM (lipomannan) and LAM (lipoarabinomannan),
mAGP Complex, lipolytic enzyme have been categorically documented. Most of the
presently used anti TB regimens interrupted cell wall synthesis, but the emergence of drug resistant
strains made it mandatory to identify new drug targets. Novel drug candidates which could inhibit the
synthesis of cell wall components have been thoroughly studied worldwide.
Conclusion: Studies demonstrated that the cell wall components are unique in terms of their contribution
in mycobacterium pathogenesis. Targeting these can hamper the growth of M. tuberculosis. In this study,
we scrutinize the drugs under trials and the potential candidates screened through in silico findings.
