Role of α-glucan-induced oxygen species in dendritic cells and its impact in immune response against tuberculosis

•The α-glucans on Mtb induces ROS in DC improving lymphocyte proliferation.•The α-glucans fulfill an important role in immune response against tuberculosis.•Certain strains can convert DC into a reservoir by enter DC without inducing ROS.•The α-glucan-induced lymphocyte proliferation is not mediated by DC-SIGN.•The α-glucan composition should be considered when designing an anti-TB vaccine.