Plays a major role in the integrity and stability of the capsule. Secreted via the ESX-5 / type VII secretion system (T7SS). Mutants have impaired capsule integrity as well as reduced surface hydrophobicity. Mutants have reduced amounts of surface localized proteins and glycolipids, and morphological differences in the capsular layer. Disruption of the gene is associated with reduced ubiquitin association in cell infection and attenuated virulence in the early stages of infection. Belongs to the mycobacterial PPE family.