Figure 2.
A schematic diagram for mechanisms of dendritic cell maturation/activation to stimulate T cells by mycobacterial antigens. PE_PGRS proteins activate dendritic cells through TLR2-MAPK-NF-κB signaling pathways. PE_PGRS 33-induced TNF-α by dendritic cells induces apoptosis in macrophages. Others (e.g., Rv0462, Rv0315, Rv0577, and PE_PGRS 17/11) increase expression of costimulatory molecules (CD80, CD86, and class II MHC) and proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-12), leading to Th1 immune responses.
