Facilitates a shift in the ensuing immunity toward the Th2 phenotype and could aid in immune evasion by mycobacteria. Interacts with human Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and triggers functional maturation of human dendritic cells (DCs), leading to secretion of IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10 from CD4(+) T cells and induction of Th2 immune response. Maturation of DCs involves PI3K, ERK1/2, p38 MAPK and NF-kappa-B signaling pathways. Interacts with human TLR2. Belongs to the mycobacterial PPE family.