Intracellular Mycobacterium tuberculosis exploits host-derived fatty acids to limit metabolic stress

Abstract

Background: The metabolism of host lipids is central to the survival of intracellular Mtb. Results: Degradation of cholesterol generates propionyl-CoA, which is, in part, detoxified through incorporation into methylbranched lipids. Conclusion: The balance of acetyl-CoA versus propionyl-CoA concentrations in Mtb impacts detoxification of propionyl-CoA. Significance: The ability of Mtb to utilize host-derived lipids effectively is key to its success as a pathogen. © 2013 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.