ESAT-6
Encyclopedia
ESAT-6, the 6 kDa early secretory antigenic target of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, is a secretory protein
and potent T cell
antigen
. It is used in tuberculosis diagnosis
by the whole blood interferon γ test QuantiFERON
-TB Gold, in conjunction with CFP-10
and TB7.7.
ESAT-6 has been shown to directly bind to the TLR2 receptor, inhibiting downstream signal transduction.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a pathogenic bacterial species in the genus Mycobacterium and the causative agent of most cases of tuberculosis . First discovered in 1882 by Robert Koch, M...
, is a secretory protein
Secretory protein
A secretory protein is any protein, whether it be endocrine or exocrine, which is secreted by a cell. Secretory proteins include many hormones, enzymes, toxins, and antimicrobial peptides.Secretory proteins are synthesized in endoplasmic reticulum....
and potent T cell
T cell
T cells or T lymphocytes belong to a group of white blood cells known as lymphocytes, and play a central role in cell-mediated immunity. They can be distinguished from other lymphocytes, such as B cells and natural killer cells , by the presence of a T cell receptor on the cell surface. They are...
antigen
Antigen
An antigen is a foreign molecule that, when introduced into the body, triggers the production of an antibody by the immune system. The immune system will then kill or neutralize the antigen that is recognized as a foreign and potentially harmful invader. These invaders can be molecules such as...
. It is used in tuberculosis diagnosis
Tuberculosis diagnosis
Tuberculosis is diagnosed by finding Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria in a clinical specimen taken from the patient. While other investigations may strongly suggest tuberculosis as the diagnosis, they cannot confirm it.-Diagnosis:...
by the whole blood interferon γ test QuantiFERON
QuantiFERON
QuantiFERON, also known as QFT, is the registered trademark of the test for tuberculosis infection or latent tuberculosis. QFT is an interferon-γ release assay used in tuberculosis diagnosis.- QuantiFERON-TB :...
-TB Gold, in conjunction with CFP-10
CFP-10
CFP-10 also known as ESAT-6-like protein esxB or secreted antigenic protein MTSA-10 or 10 kDa culture filtrate antigen CFP-10 is a protein that is encoded by the esxB gene....
and TB7.7.
ESAT-6 has been shown to directly bind to the TLR2 receptor, inhibiting downstream signal transduction.