Figure 8. Schematic representation of immuno-modulatory role played by Rv2615c
Rv2615c can interact and activate the host immune receptor TLR4 leading to activation of downstream effectors such as MyD88, NF-ƙB and TNF-α along with up-regulation of antigen presenting molecules HLA-DR. By possessing a eukaryotic CARD-like domain, Rv2615c could activate the initiator Caspase9 activity and formation of apoptosome complex which further activates executioner Caspase 3 and 7 and induces apoptosis. These observations implicate that Rv2615c could be a late stage expressing protein of Mtb facilitating cell-to spread of infection, activation and recruitment of immune cells at granuloma site and ultimately pathogen persistence.