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[Listeria monocytogenes: a dangerous pathogen used as a vector for the new generation of vaccines]
M V Tkachuk1, F O Iarovinskiĭ, A G Tonevitskiĭ
1Stanford University, CA 94305, USA.
Abstract:
Listeria monocytogenes (LM) has become a major pathogen of human foodborne illnesses eliciting meningitis, peritonitis, and abortions with a mortality rate of about 30%. During the course of the disease, LM infects a variety of tissues and cell types due to its capacity to induce its own phagocytosis even into non-phagocytic cells. For over 35 years LM continues to serve as a model to define general paradigms of immunology In this review we focus on the clinical characteristics of listeriosis, on the risk factors involved in the pathogenesis, and discuss the currently accepted approaches to prophylaxis and treatment. We report on novel strategies in vaccine development based on the LM-dependent delivering machinery for immune recognition and induction of immunological memory against desired antigens.
Insights
Listeria monocytogenes causes severe foodborne illness, including meningitis and abortions. This review covers listeriosis, risk factors, treatment, and novel vaccine strategies using LM's unique properties.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Context:
- Listeria monocytogenes (LM) is a significant foodborne pathogen causing severe human illnesses like meningitis, peritonitis, and abortions.
- LM exhibits remarkable invasiveness, infecting various tissues by inducing its own phagocytosis into non-phagocytic cells.
- For over 35 years, LM has been a crucial model organism for understanding fundamental immunological principles.
Purpose:
- To review the clinical characteristics and risk factors of listeriosis.
- To discuss current prophylaxis and treatment strategies for LM infections.
- To explore novel vaccine development approaches leveraging LM's biological mechanisms.
Summary:
- This review details the clinical aspects of listeriosis, associated risk factors, and current management strategies.
- It examines the pathogenesis of Listeria monocytogenes infections, highlighting its cellular invasion mechanisms.
- Novel vaccine strategies are presented, utilizing LM's delivery system to enhance immune recognition and memory.
Impact:
- Provides a comprehensive overview of listeriosis for clinicians and researchers.
- Informs the development of improved diagnostics and therapeutics for LM infections.
- Highlights innovative vaccine platforms for infectious disease prevention.