The branched respiratory chain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis has attracted attention as a highly promising target for next-generation antibacterials. This system includes two terminal oxidases of which the exclusively bacterial cytochrome bd represents the less energy-efficient one. Albeit dispensable for growth under standard laboratory conditions, cytochrome bd is important during environmental stress. In this review, we discuss the role of cytochrome bd during infection of the mammalian host and in the defense against antibacterials. Deeper insight into the biochemistry of mycobacterial cytochrome bd is needed to understand the physiological role of this bacteria-specific defense factor. Conversely, cytochrome bd may be utilized to gain information on mycobacterial physiology in vitro and during host infection. Knowledge-based manipulation of cytochrome bd function may assist in designing the next-generation tuberculosis combination chemotherapy.

结核分枝杆菌的分支呼吸链作为下一代抗菌药物的极具前景的目标引起了人们的关注。该系统包括两个末端氧化酶，其中唯一的细菌细胞色素bd代表低能效的一种。尽管可以在标准实验室条件下生长，但细胞色素bd在环境压力下很重要。在这篇综述中，我们讨论了细胞色素bd在哺乳动物宿主感染过程中的作用以及对抗菌素的防御作用。更深入地了解分枝杆菌细胞色素bd的生物化学需要了解这种细菌特异性防御​​因子的生理作用。相反，细胞色素bd可用于在体外和宿主感染期间获得有关分枝杆菌生理的信息。基于知识的细胞色素bd功能操纵可能有助于设计下一代结核病联合化疗。