Lipoarabinomannan
Lipoarabinomannan (LAM) is a lipoglycan molecule that plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium responsible for tuberculosis. It is a component of the cell wall of mycobacteria and is involved in various aspects of the host-pathogen interaction.
Structure[edit | edit source]
Lipoarabinomannan is composed of a mannose-polysaccharide core, an arabinan domain, and a lipid moiety. The mannose core is linked to the lipid moiety, which anchors the molecule in the cell wall. The arabinan domain extends outwards from the cell surface.
Function[edit | edit source]
Lipoarabinomannan has multiple functions in the pathogenesis of tuberculosis. It can modulate the host immune response, inhibit the fusion of phagosome and lysosome in macrophage cells, and induce the production of cytokines and other immune mediators. It also plays a role in the adhesion of mycobacteria to host cells.
Clinical significance[edit | edit source]
The detection of lipoarabinomannan in body fluids can be used for the diagnosis of tuberculosis, especially in patients with advanced HIV infection. However, the sensitivity and specificity of this test are not optimal, and it cannot distinguish between active and latent tuberculosis.
Research[edit | edit source]
Research is ongoing to improve the diagnostic use of lipoarabinomannan and to develop new therapeutic strategies targeting this molecule. For example, antibodies against lipoarabinomannan are being investigated for their potential use in the treatment of tuberculosis.
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