HS Functions as a Sink to Modulate Central Metabolism, Bioenergetics, and Drug Susceptibility.

HS is a potent gasotransmitter in eukaryotes and bacteria. Host-derived HS has been shown to profoundly alter () energy metabolism and growth. However, compelling evidence for endogenous production of HS and its role in physiology is lacking.

Hydrogen sulfide stimulates Mycobacterium tuberculosis respiration, growth and pathogenesis.

Hydrogen sulfide (HS) is involved in numerous pathophysiological processes and shares overlapping functions with CO and •NO. However, the importance of host-derived HS in microbial pathogenesis is unknown. Here we show that Mtb-infected mice deficient in the HS-producing enzyme cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) survive longer with reduced organ burden, and that pharmacological inhibition of CBS reduces Mtb bacillary load in mice.