How do mycobacteria arrest phagosomal maturation?
The molecular basis for the block in phagosome maturation remains enigmatic. The identification of virulence factors, which retard phagosome maturation, has been hindered by the genetic inaccessibility of mycobacteria. Recently, these genetic limitations have been overcome and it is likely that a clearer picture of how mycobacteria affect phagosome biogenesis will soon emerge. Herein, we present current ideas on how mycobacteria may establish their unique phagosomal niche.
