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Mechanisms of Bordetella pathogenesis
S Mattoo1, A K Foreman-Wykert, P A Cotter
1Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1747, USA.
Frontiers in Bioscience : a Journal and Virtual Library
|November 2, 2001
Summary
Bordetella bacteria cause respiratory infections by producing virulence factors regulated by the bvgAS locus. Understanding these mechanisms, including adherence and phase transitions, is key to studying Bordetella pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacterial Pathogenesis
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Bordetella are Gram-negative bacteria responsible for respiratory tract infections in humans and animals.
- Key species include B. pertussis, B. bronchiseptica, and B. parapertussis.
- These bacteria possess a conserved set of virulence factors crucial for colonization and persistence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the virulence factors of Bordetella species.
- To elucidate the role of the bvgAS locus in regulating virulence factor expression.
- To explore the mechanisms of Bordetella pathogenesis and host-pathogen interactions.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on Bordetella.
- Analysis of virulence factors and their regulation.
- Examination of the bvgAS two-component system.
- Discussion of animal models for pathogenesis studies.
- Inclusion of evolutionary and gene regulation studies.
Main Results:
- Bordetella species share similar virulence factors in their virulent phase.
- The bvgAS locus regulates the expression of most virulence factors.
- BvgA and BvgS mediate phase transitions (virulent, avirulent, intermediate) in response to environmental signals.
- Adherence and persistence mechanisms are critical for colonizing the respiratory mucosa.
Conclusions:
- The bvgAS system is central to Bordetella virulence.
- Understanding phase variation and virulence factor regulation enhances knowledge of pathogenesis.
- Animal models and evolutionary studies are vital for studying Bordetella host-pathogen interactions.
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