title: Mycobacterium tuberculosis adhesins: potential  biomarkers as anti-tuberculosis therapeutic and  diagnostic targets.
abstract: Adhesion to host cells is a precursor to host colonization and evasion of the host immune response. Conversely, it triggers the induction of the immune response, a process vital to the host's defence against infection. Adhesins are microbial cell surface molecules or structures that mediate the attachment of the microbe to host cells and thus the host-pathogen interaction. They also play a crucial role in bacterial aggregation and biofilm formation. In this review, we discuss the role of adhesins in the pathogenesis of the aetiological agent of tuberculosis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis. We also provide insight into the structure and characteristics of some of the characterized and putative M. tuberculosis adhesins. Finally, we examine the potential of adhesins as targets for the development of tuberculosis control strategies.
authors.affiliation: Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
authors.forename: Viveshree S
authors.initials: VS
authors.lastname: Govender
authors.affiliation: Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
authors.forename: Saiyur
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ramsugit
authors.affiliation: Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
authors.forename: Manormoney
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pillay
mesh_terms: D018829:Adhesins, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D003955:Diagnostic Tests, Routine / Q000379:methods; D009169:Mycobacterium tuberculosis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000472:pathogenicity / Q000502:physiology*; D037521:Virulence Factors / Q000032:analysis / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D018829:Adhesins, Bacterial; D000995:Antitubercular Agents; D015415:Biomarkers; D037521:Virulence Factors