SMURF2 reduces the cell’s ability to clear tuberculosis bacteria in immune cells

Deletion of Smurf2 in mouse macrophages reduces intracellular Mycobacterium tuberculosis replication.

• Smurf2 deletion leads to increased levels of SMURF1 in murine macrophages.
• Enhanced lipidation of a protein called LC3B is observed following Smurf2 deletion.
• K48-linked ubiquitination of Mtb-associated structures is increased with Smurf2 deletion.
• Mice with myeloid-specific deletion of Smurf2 show modestly prolonged survival after Mtb infection.
• In human macrophages, reducing SMURF2 either through knockdown or using a specific inhibitor results in decreased Mtb replication.

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