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Target intelligence / Profile preview
Early Secreted Antigenic Target 6 (ESAT-6)
- Target
- ESAT-6
- Molecular classification
- Secreted protein, Antigen
01
Overview
Early Secreted Antigenic Target 6 (ESAT-6) is a small, secretory protein of approximately 6 kDa produced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is a potent T cell antigen and plays a critical role in the virulence and pathogenicity of M. tuberculosis. ESAT-6 is not expressed by the Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine strain, making it an important marker for distinguishing infection with virulent M. tuberculosis from BCG vaccination. It contributes to pathogenesis through immune modulation, macrophage activation, and Th17 polarization.
- Other names
- esxA
02
Mechanism of action
Not applicable, as ESAT-6 is primarily a virulence factor and diagnostic marker rather than a direct drug target. Interventions focus on inhibiting its effects or using it for diagnostic purposes.
03
Biological functions
Immune responseVirulenceT cell activationMacrophage activationTh17 polarizationSecretion via ESX-1 system
04
Disease associations
InfectionTuberculosis
05
Safety considerations
ImmunopathologyPotential to enhance disease risk if used inappropriately in vaccines
06
Biomarkers
Diagnostic marker for M. tuberculosis infectionIndicator of latent or active tuberculosis
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