The α/β Hydrolase Fold Proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, with Reference to their Contribution to Virulence

The α/β hydrolase fold superfamily is an ancient and widely diversified group of primarily hydrolytic enzymes. In this review, the adaptations of these proteins to the pathogenic lifestyle of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the causative agent of tuberculosis, are examined. Of the 105 α/β hydrolases identified in Mtb, many are associated with lipid metabolism, particularly in the biosynthesis and maintenance of the Mtb’s unique cell envelope, as well in the large number of extracellular lipases that are likely responsible for degradation of host lipid material. α/β hydrolase fold proteins are also involved in the evasion and modulation of the immune response, detoxification and metabolic adaptations, including growth, response to acidification of the intracellular environment and dormancy. A striking feature of Mtb’s α/β hydrolases is their diversification into virulence-associated niches. It is clear that the α/β hydrolase fold family has made a significant contribution to Mtb’s remarkable success as a pathogen.