TREHALOSE DIMYCOLATES Meaning and
Definition
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Trehalose dimycolates are a class of complex carbohydrates, also known as glycolipids, that consist of two molecules of mycolic acid esterified to a molecule of trehalose. These compounds are primarily found in the cell walls of mycobacteria, which are a group of bacteria that includes the pathogenic species Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis.
Trehalose dimycolates play a crucial role in the virulence and persistence of mycobacteria by contributing to the unique structure and impermeability of their cell walls. These glycolipids are responsible for the high lipid content of the cell wall, which provides protection against harsh environmental conditions, host immune responses, and antimicrobial drugs.
In addition to their structural importance, trehalose dimycolates also interact with the host immune system, modulating and suppressing immune responses. They are recognized by various pattern recognition receptors, including Toll-like receptor 2, leading to the downstream activation of innate immune pathways. However, mycobacteria have evolved mechanisms to manipulate host immune responses through interactions with trehalose dimycolates, enabling their survival within host cells and establishment of chronic infections.
Due to their unique structural features and immunomodulatory properties, trehalose dimycolates have attracted significant research interest as potential targets for the development of novel vaccines, diagnostic tools, and therapeutic interventions against mycobacterial diseases, including tuberculosis.
Common Misspellings for TREHALOSE DIMYCOLATES
- rrehalose dimycolates
- frehalose dimycolates
- grehalose dimycolates
- yrehalose dimycolates
- 6rehalose dimycolates
- 5rehalose dimycolates
- teehalose dimycolates
- tdehalose dimycolates
- tfehalose dimycolates
- ttehalose dimycolates
- t5ehalose dimycolates
- t4ehalose dimycolates
- trwhalose dimycolates
- trshalose dimycolates
- trdhalose dimycolates
- trrhalose dimycolates
- tr4halose dimycolates
- tr3halose dimycolates
- tregalose dimycolates
- trebalose dimycolates
Etymology of TREHALOSE DIMYCOLATES
The word "trehalose dimycolates" has its origins in several components.
1. Trehalose: Trehalose is a type of sugar composed of two glucose molecules. It is commonly found in various organisms, including bacteria, fungi, and plants. The word "trehalose" originated from the German "Trehalose" (which was derived from "Trehala", a sweet substance in cocoon shells).
2. Dimycolates: Dimycolates refer to a type of lipid molecule found in certain bacteria, particularly Mycobacterium species. It is composed of two mycolic acid chains attached to a central hub. The term "dimycolate" is derived from the Latin words "di-" (meaning two) and "mycolate" (from "mycolicum", meaning fungal).
