Mycobacterium tuberculosis Tb10.4

Mycobacterium tuberculosis Tb10.4 is another small protein of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, closely related to Tb10.3 and also encoded in the RD1 locus. It shares structural similarities with Tb10.3 but may have distinct functional roles. Preliminary research indicates Tb10.4 may be involved in bacterial virulence, possibly contributing to host cell membrane disruption or modulation of host immune responses to facilitate bacterial survival. It has immunogenicity, capable of triggering T-cell responses in the host, especially in individuals with latent or active tuberculosis. This makes Tb10.4 a potential candidate for tuberculosis vaccines, as it can target key virulence-associated pathways. Additionally, it may serve as a complementary diagnostic marker, aiding in the detection of infections, particularly in cases where other markers (e.g., ESAT-6) may be less sensitive.