Probably involved in bacterial recognition and uptake by its host (human) (PubMed:25041568). Immunoelectron microscopy indicates this protein is displaced from the cell surface (PubMed:25041568). Fragments of the mature protein (residues 77-96, 97-116 and 117-136) prevent uptake of M.tuberculosis by a human macrophage-like cell line (PubMed:25041568). Belongs to the UPF0098 family.