USP7 and tuberculosis: The major findings of this study are as follows: (1) HAUSP is increased in TB patients; (2) PE_PGRS38 is directly associated with HAUSP in macrophages, and the PE domain in PE_PGRS38 is vital for HAUSP and PE_PGRS38 interaction; (3) PE_PGRS38 expressed in Ms decreases the cytokine levels and increases the burden of intracellular bacteria in BMDMs; (4) PE_PGRS38 inhibits K48-polyUb ubiquitination via association with HAUSP; and (5) PE_PGRS38 increases the bacterial burden and downregulates cytokine levels in mice.