The pe/ppe genes are found in pathogenic, slow-growing Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other M. tuberculosis complex (MTBC) species. These genes are considered key factors in host-pathogen interactions. Although the function of most PE/PPE family proteins remains unclear, accumulating evidence suggests that this family is involved in M. tuberculosis infection. Here, we review the role of PE/PPE proteins, which are believed to be linked to the ESX system function. Further, we highlight the reported functions of PE/PPE proteins, including their roles in host cell interaction, immune response regulation, and cell fate determination during complex host-pathogen processes. Finally, we propose future directions for PE/PPE protein research and consider how the current knowledge might be applied to design more specific diagnostics and effective vaccines for global tuberculosis control.

的 pe / ppe 基因发现于致病的，生长缓慢的 结核分枝杆菌 和别的 结核分枝杆菌复杂（MTBC）物种。这些基因被认为是宿主-病原体相互作用的关键因素。尽管大多数PE / PPE家族蛋白的功能尚不清楚，但越来越多的证据表明该家族参与了结核分枝杆菌感染。在这里，我们回顾了PE / PPE蛋白的作用，认为它们与ESX系统功能有关。此外，我们重点介绍了PE / PPE蛋白的报道功能，包括它们在复杂的宿主-病原体过程中在宿主细胞相互作用，免疫应答调节和细胞命运确定中的作用。最后，我们提出了PE / PPE蛋白研究的未来方向，并考虑了如何将当前知识应用于设计更具体的诊断方法和有效的疫苗来控制全球结核病。