Macrophages exploit the mannose receptor and JAK-STAT1-MHC-II pathway to drive antigen presentation and the antimycobacterial immune response after BCG vaccination

• Macrophage mannose receptor (MR) is essential for effective BCG vaccine-induced antimycobacterial immunity. • MR activates the JAK-STAT1 signaling pathway, upregulating MHC-II and IL-12 to enhance antigen presentation and CD4+ T cell responses. • MR deficiency in macrophages reduces BCG vaccine efficacy and increases susceptibility to M.tb challenge in mice. • These findings provide a mechanistic basis for improving BCG vaccination strategies against tuberculosis.