Genetic variants in SP110 may influence macrophage signaling responses and apoptosis during M. tuberculosis infection, however further research is required to establish the mechanism by which SP110 influences immunity to tuberculosis infection.
As Ipr1 plays a major role in mediating innate immunity in a mouse model of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, the human Ipr1 homologue, SP110 is a recognised candidate gene for control M. tuberculosis infection.
Based on the results obtained in this case-control study, the hypothesis that Sp110 variants and haplotypes might be associated with distinct phenotypes of human M tuberculosis infection is doubtful.
We have therefore examined the closest human homologue of Ipr1, SP110, for its ability to control susceptibility to M. tuberculosis infection in humans.