Mycolactone biosynthesis

M. ulcerans produces a family of toxin polyketide molecules, the mycolactones, which are required for the tissue destruction and local immunosuppression characteristic of Buruli ulcer. In vitro experiments show that the major mycolactones, a mixture of cis-trans isomers (mycolactone A and B), produce apoptosis and necrosis in many human cell types. Mycolactone enters cells by diffusion and accumulates in the cytosol. In addition, mycolactones appear to play a role in inhibiting the recruitment of inflammatory cells to the site of infection.