Abstract
Bacterial virulence factors enable a host to replicate and disseminate within a host in part by subverting or eluding host defenses. The use of genomic techniques has led to the identification of new virulence factors that may serve as targets for new therapies. These putative virulence factors must be rigorously evaluated with in vitro and in vivo studies with an awareness of the technical limitations of each approach as well as an assessment of the prevalence of this factor in clinical bacterial isolates retrieved from appropriately controlled epidemiologic studies.
Highlights
Pathogens are perhaps the pre-eminent cell biologists, having over the span of millennia identified special niches or strategies, to subvert host defenses, but in some instances to elude detection through bacterial mimicry
One can precisely delineate the mechanism of a putative virulence factor in a cellular phenotype of interest, but these studies are unable to assess the effect of a virulence determinant on more complex intercellular interactions
Giving high bacterial inocula that overcome host defenses does not allow one to make any determination of the importance of a virulence factor [2]
Summary
Pathogens are perhaps the pre-eminent cell biologists, having over the span of millennia identified special niches or strategies, to subvert host defenses, but in some instances (like the polysialic acid K1 capsule of Escherichia coli) to elude detection through bacterial mimicry (by which the bacterial ‘wolf’ wraps itself in the ‘sheep’s clothing’ of the host’s cell). As these authors point out, many of the virulence mechanisms are defined at precise molecular and genetic levels. One can precisely delineate the mechanism of a putative virulence factor in a cellular phenotype of interest, but these studies are unable to assess the effect of a virulence determinant on more complex intercellular interactions.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
