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Mycobacteria are responsible for many high-profile diseases in both humans and animals including leprosy, Buruli ulcer, Johne’s disease, and most notably, tuberculosis. The Mycobacterial Cell Envelope explains the unique characteristics that cause this large group of bacteria to function differently. The envelope, a complex arrangement of lipids, proteins and carbohydrates, is the interface between the pathogen and its human host. The cell envelope’s low permeability, along with a chemical structure capable of resisting lysis by host cell enzymes, seems to be responsible for the resistance of the mycobacterial cell to destruction by the host. Additionally, envelope components are involved in the uptake of the mycobacterium by the cell and also in modifying the responses of the cell and of the host’s immune system.

Organized into two large sections, The Mycobacterial Cell Envelope first describes the shared features of all mycobacterial cell envelopes. Topics addressed in the first section include the chemical nature of the cell envelope, general and specialized transport functions, vulnerabilities of the cell envelope, and its process of biosynthesis. The second section describes features more specific to individual mycobacterial cell envelopes. These unique features, including protein adhesion, sulfolipids of M. tuberculosis, and a mycobacterial toxin, hold the keys to better understanding the cell envelope’s importance.

This comprehensive volume summarizes the complex architecture of the mycobacterial cell envelope and presents the major breakthroughs in this field. In each chapter, world-renowned experts present in-depth coverage of the major components of this complex structure. This volume will be essential for gaining an integrated view of this important field, and it will serve as a valuable reference for those working in the areas of biochemistry, genetics, genomics, and immunology.

•  The first book entirely devoted to the distinctive characteristics of the mycobacterial cell envelope
• Written by internationally recognized experts in the field
• Provides an integrated view of the mycobacterial cell envelope, including coverage of biochemistry, genetics, genomics, and immunology
• Includes extensive and helpful illustrations
• Summarizes the most up-to-date and significant references in this field
• Explains important relationships to immune response and virulence

Hardcover, 422 pages, illustrations, index.