Study of the synthesis of mycobacterial ManLAM and its function in the interaction with phagocytes

We have generated a large M. bovis BCG transposon insertion mutant library. BCG mutants will be characterized for their cell wall glycoprofile and they will also be used to study the role of Man(L)AM in determining host immune response upon Mycobacterium infection, using in vitro and in vivo techniques. The ultimate goal of this study is to translate the obtained knowledge in the development of new drugs and/or an improved tuberculosis vaccine.