Modulation of host cell signalling by enteropathogenic and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli

The majority of Escherichia coli strains are harmless symbionts in the intestinal tract. However, there are several pathogenic forms, which are responsible for various diseases in humans and live stock. In this review we discuss the interactions between Shiga toxin-producing E. coli and enteropathogenic E. coli and their target host cells, describing their strategies to activate specific cellular signalling pathways which lead to subversion of critical physiological functions. We mainly concentrate on those pathogenic mechanisms that are dependent on a functional type III secretion system, but we also briefly discuss additional factors that contribute to the specific pathogenic profiles of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli and enreropathogenic E. coli.