In this paper, the team " Mycobacterial Pathogenesis and New Therapeutic Targets ", led by Laurent KREMER, highlighted the important role of sugars in enhancing mannose receptor-mediated internalization of M. abscessus by macrophages.
Furthermore, this study revealed that these enzymes are also involved in the transition from the smooth morphotype (responsible for chronic infection) to the rough morphotype (responsible for acute and lethal infection).
In conclusion, this study elucidated a novel mechanism of virulence in M. abscessus and opens the way to the possibility of targeting one of the glycosyltransferases to reduce macrophage invasion by this virulent and rapidly growing mycobacterium.
