Abstract
The Vibrio vulnificus (V. vulnificus) hemolysin (VVH) is a pore-forming cholesterol-dependent cytolysin (CDC). Although there has been some debate surrounding the in vivo virulence effects of the VVH, it is becoming increasingly clear that it drives different cellular outcomes and is involved in the pathogenesis of V. vulnificus. This minireview outlines recent advances in our understanding of the regulation of vvhA gene expression, the biological activity of the VVH and its role in pathogenesis. An in-depth examination of the role of the VVH in V. vulnificus pathogenesis will help reveal the potential targets for therapeutic and preventive interventions to treat fatal V. vulnificus septicemia in humans. Future directions in VVH research will also be discussed.
Highlights
V. vulnificus is an opportunistic human pathogen commonly found in estuarine environments
Gavin et al showed that the multifunctional-auto processing repeats-in-toxin (MARTX) toxin is essential for bacterial dissemination from the intestine [6], while Jones and Oliver demonstrated that the overwhelming tissue destruction that characterizes V. vulnificus infections contracted either via ingestion or wound infection likely results from the powerful collagenase, metalloproteases, and lipases/phospholipases produced by the bacterium [4]
We explore the features of VVH in its biological activity, regulation of vvhA expression, and possible roles in pathogenesis
Summary
V. vulnificus is an opportunistic human pathogen commonly found in estuarine environments. Another study suggested that in addition to the MARTX toxin, the VVH may contribute to bacterial invasion from the intestine into the bloodstream and other organs [16] These results would suggest that VVH may not be responsible for the lethality of V. vulnificus, but may be a contributor to the tissue damage in pathogenesis. In comparison to PFTs in Gram-positive bacteria, more research is needed to clarify the role of VVH in pathogenesis, especially in infections with raw oyster consumption, which can produce rapidly fatal V. vulnificus septicemia. Future directions in VVH research was discussed in this review This in-depth evaluation of the contribution of the VVH to V. vulnificus pathogenesis may aid in the development of novel therapies aimed at treating and preventing sepsis in humans
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