The role of mycobacterial lipids in host pathogenesis

Several mycobacteria are remarkably successful human pathogens that cause wellknown infections such as tuberculosis and leprosy or emerging diseases such as Buruli ulcer. On encountering the virulent mycobacteria, the host develops a strong immune response which is dedicated to combat the invasion while bacilli have evolved several strategies to counteract and adapt to this hostile environment. Being positioned at the bacterial surface, mycobacterial lipids contribute to the interplay between host and pathogen. This review will briefly discuss some unusual mycobacterial lipids that have been identified, focusing on their immunomodulatory properties.