Cord factor as an invisibility cloak? A hypothesis for asymptomatic TB persistence
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) has long been known to persist in grossly normal tissues
even in people with active lesions and granulomas in other parts of the body. We recently
reported that post-primary TB begins as an asymptomatic infection that slowly progresses,
accumulating materials for a massive necrotizing reaction that results in cavitation. This
paper explores the possible roles of trehalose 6, 6′ dimycolate (TDM) or cord factor in the
ability of MTB to persist in such lesions without producing inflammation. TDM is unique in …
even in people with active lesions and granulomas in other parts of the body. We recently
reported that post-primary TB begins as an asymptomatic infection that slowly progresses,
accumulating materials for a massive necrotizing reaction that results in cavitation. This
paper explores the possible roles of trehalose 6, 6′ dimycolate (TDM) or cord factor in the
ability of MTB to persist in such lesions without producing inflammation. TDM is unique in …