Role of host- and pathogen-associated lipids in directing the immune response in mycobacterial infections, with emphasis on Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis

Abstract

Mycobacteria have a complex cell wall with a high lipid content that confers unique advantages for bacterial survival in the hostile host environment, leading to long-term infection. There is a wealth of evidence suggesting the role cell wall-associated lipid antigens play at the host–pathogen interface by contributing to bacterial virulence. One pathway that pathogenic mycobacteria use to subvert host immune pathways to their advantage is host cholesterol/lipid homeostasis. This review focuses on the possible role of pathogen- and host-associated lipids in the survival and persistence of pathogenic mycobacteria with emphasis on Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis. We draw upon literature in diverse areas of infectious and metabolic diseases and explain a mechanism by which mycobacterial-induced changes in the host cellular energy state could account for phenomena that are a hallmark of chronic mycobacterial diseases.

• Cell wall lipids
• cholesterol
• energy metabolism
• mycobacteria
• virulence

Declaration of interest

S.T. was supported by scholarships from the University of Sydney. K.M.P., K.d.S. and R.J.W. were supported by a grant from Meat and Livestock Australia and the Cattle Council of Australia, Sheep Meat Council of Australia, Wool Producers Australia through Animal Health Australia.