**7. Conclusions**

The interaction between mycobacteria and the host macrophage or dendritic cells is very complex and dependent on multiple factors. In this review, we have focused mainly on the modulating activities of CFP10/ESAT6, the molecules which are being evaluated as vaccine candidates, indicating that they may act like double-edged sword generating a favorable response from the host immune system. Apart from CFP-10/ESAT-6, several other protein antigens are also being reported which modulate the macrophage response to Mtb. Further studies are undergoing in our lab to elucidate the finer mechanisms by which these proteins function.
