Mtb is classified as a Gram-positive bacteria, and is one of the few bacteria that can be cultured in the laboratory5. Its cell surface is partly composed of various virulence lipids, such as phthiocerol dimycocerosates (PDIMs) and phenolic glycolipids (PGLs). and mycolic acid3. Mtb, like many other bacteria, is capable of sensing and responding to their surrounding environment. It does so via the use of two-component systems, one of which is called PhoPR two-component system6. In order for Mtb to survive, it must synthesize its own biotin, an essential cofactor that is involved in the biosynthesis of some fatty acids (e.g. mycolic acid), from pimeloyl-CoA7. During infection, Mtb primarily resides in macrophages, which, normally,
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However, Dr. Liu's publication in 2007 and 2008 may help to settle the dilemma. In his 2007 publication, Dr. Liu hypothesized that cell wall lipids might be responsible in the differential virulence observed amongst BCG vaccine strains3. In order to validate that, Dr. Liu analyzed cell wall lipids from twelve BCG vaccine strains using a technique called 2D-TLC. Results from Dr. Liu's experiment suggested that three of the twelve BCG vaccine strains (namely, BCG-Japan, -Glaxo, and -Moreau) were unable to synthesize PDIMs and PGLs. Interestingly, publications from other researchers suggest that the likelihoods of BCG-Japan, -Glaxo, and -Moreau to induce a side effect is much lower than those of other strains (see table 1)3, 15. Taken together, these results indicate that much safer vaccines can be produced by using M. bovis strains that lack a wild type PDIM/PGL cell wall …show more content…
As such, new therapeutic treatments and vaccinations are urgently required. Dr. Liu's discoveries of a global gene regulator (Lsr2), a novel biotin biosynthesis enzyme MMAR_2770, and his work on BCG vaccines all can potentially offer leads for new anti-mycobacterial management. Currently, beside working on Lsr2 and BCG vaccines, Dr. Liu's lab is also identifying metabolic pathways that are potential targets for drug development. Dr. Liu's continuing studies on the molecular factors that contribute to the virulence of Mtb will undoubtedly provide addition insights as to how TB can be
However, Dr. Liu's publication in 2007 and 2008 may help to settle the dilemma. In his 2007 publication, Dr. Liu hypothesized that cell wall lipids might be responsible in the differential virulence observed amongst BCG vaccine strains3. In order to validate that, Dr. Liu analyzed cell wall lipids from twelve BCG vaccine strains using a technique called 2D-TLC. Results from Dr. Liu's experiment suggested that three of the twelve BCG vaccine strains (namely, BCG-Japan, -Glaxo, and -Moreau) were unable to synthesize PDIMs and PGLs. Interestingly, publications from other researchers suggest that the likelihoods of BCG-Japan, -Glaxo, and -Moreau to induce a side effect is much lower than those of other strains (see table 1)3, 15. Taken together, these results indicate that much safer vaccines can be produced by using M. bovis strains that lack a wild type PDIM/PGL cell wall …show more content…
As such, new therapeutic treatments and vaccinations are urgently required. Dr. Liu's discoveries of a global gene regulator (Lsr2), a novel biotin biosynthesis enzyme MMAR_2770, and his work on BCG vaccines all can potentially offer leads for new anti-mycobacterial management. Currently, beside working on Lsr2 and BCG vaccines, Dr. Liu's lab is also identifying metabolic pathways that are potential targets for drug development. Dr. Liu's continuing studies on the molecular factors that contribute to the virulence of Mtb will undoubtedly provide addition insights as to how TB can be