The PE25/PPE41 dimer induces both a strong humoral and cellular immune response (PubMed:18974870). The dimer induces necrosis, but not apoptosis, in mouse macrophage cells (PubMed:25379378). It also induces activation and maturation of mouse dendritic cells and drives Th2-biased immune responses (PubMed:26318856). Forms a heterodimer with PE25. The dimer forms a 1:1:1 heterotrimeric complex with EspG5. PPE41 interacts directly with EspG5. Secreted via the ESX-5 / type VII secretion system (T7SS). Belongs to the mycobacterial PPE family.