The study, published in the journal *Cell Host & Microbe*, identified several proteins that are expressed by *M. tuberculosis* during infection that appear to interfere with the function of immune cells.
One of the proteins, called PtpA, was found to inhibit the activation of macrophages, which are white blood cells that play a key role in engulfing and destroying bacteria. Another protein, called LprG, was found to block the production of cytokines, which are small proteins that help to coordinate the immune response.
The researchers say that these findings could lead to the development of new drugs that target these proteins and help to improve the body's ability to fight off TB infection.
TB is one of the leading causes of death from infectious disease worldwide, with an estimated 1.5 million deaths in 2020. The disease is spread through the air when someone with TB coughs, sneezes, or talks.
Most people who are infected with *M. tuberculosis* do not develop active TB disease. However, people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, diabetes, or malnutrition, are at increased risk of developing active TB.
TB can be treated with antibiotics, but the treatment can be long and difficult. In some cases, TB can develop resistance to antibiotics, making it even more difficult to treat.
The researchers say that their findings could lead to the development of new drugs that are more effective in treating TB and that could help to prevent the development of drug-resistant TB.
"We are excited about the potential of these findings to lead to new therapies for TB," said study senior author Victor Nizet, MD, Distinguished Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine at UC San Diego School of Medicine. "TB is a devastating disease, and we urgently need new ways to treat it."
