ESAT-6 Recombinant produced in Baculovirus is a single, glycosylated, polypeptide chain containing 104 amino acids (1-95 a.a) having a total molecular mass of 11kDa.
The ESAT-6 fused to a 6 amino acid His-tag & purified by proprietary chromatographic techniques.
The Early Secretory Antigenic Target 6 kDa (ESAT-6) is a crucial protein produced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the bacterium responsible for tuberculosis (TB). ESAT-6 is a secretory protein and a potent T cell antigen, playing a significant role in the pathogenesis and immunopathology of TB .
ESAT-6 is a small protein with a molecular weight of approximately 6 kDa. It is encoded by the esxA gene and is part of the ESX-1 secretion system, which is essential for the virulence of Mtb . ESAT-6 forms a complex with another protein, CFP-10 (Culture Filtrate Protein 10), and this complex is secreted by the bacterium to modulate the host immune response .
ESAT-6 is a key virulence factor of Mtb. It has been shown to directly interact with the TLR2 receptor on macrophages, inhibiting downstream signal transduction and thus subverting the host’s immune response . This interaction helps Mtb to evade the immune system and establish infection. Additionally, ESAT-6 can disrupt the phagosomal membrane, allowing Mtb to escape into the cytosol of host cells .
Due to its strong antigenic properties, ESAT-6 is used in diagnostic tests for TB, such as the QuantiFERON-TB Gold test, which measures the release of interferon-gamma in response to ESAT-6 and CFP-10 . The recombinant form of ESAT-6, often combined with CFP-10, is also being explored for its potential in vaccine development and as a therapeutic target .
Ongoing research is focused on understanding the detailed mechanisms by which ESAT-6 modulates the immune response and contributes to TB pathogenesis. Studies are also investigating the potential of ESAT-6 as a biomarker for TB diagnosis and as a component of new vaccines . The development of recombinant ESAT-6 proteins and their fusion with other antigens holds promise for improving TB diagnostics and therapeutics.