The biology of Mycobacterium cord factor and roles in pathogen-host interaction.

Mycobacterium cord factor was long held as a virulence factor contributing to the pathogenesis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Abundant studies have shed light on its unique chemical structures, metabolism, and receptors on macrophages. The mechanisms underlying cord factor virulence remain elusive. This progress is summarized in this paper, especially the receptors of cord factor, such as Toll-like receptors and Mincle. This might facilitate better use of cord factor as an adjuvant for tuberculosis therapy or selection of drug targets involved in its biosynthesis to combat tuberculosis.