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Entry mechanisms of mycobacteria
1Dept. of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, 203 VBS, Fair and East Campus Loop, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA.
Frontiers in Bioscience : a Journal and Virtual Library
|June 13, 2001
Summary
Mycobacteria cause disease by entering host cells, but the exact entry mechanisms remain unclear. Further research using molecular tools is needed to understand how mycobacteria infect macrophages and cause disease.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Pathogenesis
Background:
- Mycobacteria are facultative intracellular pathogens causing disease through host cell entry, survival, and replication.
- Despite over 125 years of study, the initial step of infection, host cell entry by mycobacteria, is poorly understood.
- Macrophages are the primary host cells for mycobacterial replication during human disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current research on mycobacterial mechanisms of entry into host cells.
- To highlight the lack of understanding regarding the consequences of mycobacterial entry via different pathways into macrophages.
- To emphasize the need for further investigation into mycobacterial entry mechanisms and their role in pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing mycobacterial research focusing on host cell entry mechanisms.
- Discussion of potential entry routes into macrophages, considering their non-specific particle uptake receptors.
- Exploration of hypotheses regarding mycobacterial survival and replication post-entry, including lysosomal fusion avoidance and phagosome modification.
Main Results:
- Mycobacteria can enter various host cell types, with macrophages being a key target for replication.
- Multiple entry routes into macrophages exist due to their non-specific uptake mechanisms.
- The precise outcome of mycobacterial entry via different mechanisms and their intracellular survival strategies are not fully elucidated.
Conclusions:
- Understanding mycobacterial entry into host cells is critical for comprehending pathogenesis.
- Further research employing advanced molecular tools is essential to dissect the proposed entry mechanisms.
- Clarifying the role of entry mechanisms in mycobacterial pathogenesis will advance disease control strategies.