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The induction of apoptosis by bacterial pathogens
1Department of Microbiology, Skirball Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York 10016, USA.
Annual Review of Microbiology
|November 5, 1999
Summary
Apoptosis, a regulated cell death, is crucial for organism development. Pathogens manipulate apoptosis to evade immune responses or promote their own survival during infection.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
- Pathogen-Host Interactions
Background:
- Apoptosis is a regulated process of programmed cell death essential for multicellular organism development and homeostasis.
- Unlike necrosis, apoptosis eliminates cells without triggering inflammation, making it a targeted defense mechanism.
- Pathogen-encoded factors can modulate host cell death pathways, influencing infection outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of apoptosis in host-pathogen interactions.
- To understand how pathogens utilize or evade programmed cell death.
- To investigate the implications of modulating apoptosis for infection control.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on apoptosis and pathogen interactions.
- Analysis of pathogen-encoded virulence factors affecting host cell death.
- Case studies of apoptosis modulation in various infections.
Main Results:
- Programmed cell death is a common host response to a diverse range of pathogens.
- Pathogens employ virulence determinants to manipulate host apoptosis.
- Modulation of apoptosis by pathogens can lead to immune cell elimination or intracellular pathogen proliferation.
Conclusions:
- Apoptosis plays a critical role in the host's response to infection.
- Pathogen manipulation of apoptosis is a key survival strategy.
- Targeting apoptosis pathways presents potential therapeutic avenues for infectious diseases.