Abstract
A central role for aspartate in Mycobacterium tuberculosis physiology and virulence
Highlights
The tuberculosis (TB) bacillus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is a facultative intracellular pathogen that multiplies inside macrophages, in which it resides within a specialized compartment, the phagosome, where nutrient sources are likely limited
We recently discovered that nitrogen incorporation from exogenous aspartate is required for host colonization by M. tuberculosis (Gouzy et al, 2013)
Increased expression of this transporter could impact considerably the ability of M. tuberculosis to multiply inside macrophages, as it is the case for the neutral amino acid transporter SLC1A5 in the context of Francisella tularensis and Legionella pneumophila infection (Wieland et al, 2005; Barel et al, 2012)
Summary
The tuberculosis (TB) bacillus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is a facultative intracellular pathogen that multiplies inside macrophages, in which it resides within a specialized compartment, the phagosome, where nutrient sources are likely limited. A commentary on Mycobacterium tuberculosis nitrogen assimilation and host colonization require aspartate by Gouzy, A., Larrouy-Maumus, G., Wu, T. We recently discovered that nitrogen incorporation from exogenous aspartate is required for host colonization by M. tuberculosis (Gouzy et al, 2013).
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