Mycobacterium tuberculosis CFP-10

Mycobacterium tuberculosis CFP-10 is identical to the aforementioned CFP-10, a virulence-associated secreted protein of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Encoded in the RD1 locus, it collaborates with ESAT-6 to facilitate bacterial entry into host macrophages and support intracellular survival. Its high immunogenicity enables it to elicit robust T-cell responses, which are central to the host's defense against tuberculosis. This characteristic makes it a core reagent in diagnostic assays for tuberculosis, helping to identify individuals with latent or active infections. Additionally, its role in bacterial virulence and conservation across strains make it a valuable antigen for tuberculosis vaccine development, with potential to improve protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and progression to disease.