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Housekeeping enzymes as virulence factors for pathogens
Vijay Pancholi1, Gursharan S Chhatwal
1Laboratory of Bacterial Pathogenesis, Public Health Research Institute, The International Center for Public Health, Newark 07103-3535, USA. pancholi@phri.org
International Journal of Medical Microbiology : IJMM
|February 6, 2004
Summary
Certain housekeeping enzymes on pathogen surfaces enhance virulence by interacting with host components. Blocking their secretion or surface attachment offers a novel strategy for infection control.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Pathogenesis
Background:
- Housekeeping enzymes are essential for basic cellular functions in all organisms.
- Recent research reveals these enzymes have additional roles beyond metabolism.
- Some pathogens utilize surface-localized housekeeping enzymes to promote infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the non-metabolic functions of housekeeping enzymes in pathogens.
- To explore the role of surface-displayed housekeeping enzymes in virulence.
- To identify potential therapeutic targets for controlling infections.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of enzyme localization in pathogenic microorganisms.
- Investigation of enzyme interactions with host cell components (e.g., fibronectin, plasminogen).
- Study of signal transduction pathways triggered by enzyme-host interactions.
Main Results:
- Housekeeping enzymes are secreted and surface-displayed by pathogens, independent of typical secretion signals.
- Surface-localized enzymes mediate pathogen adhesion and invasion by interacting with host factors.
- These interactions facilitate pathogen colonization, persistence, and tissue invasion.
Conclusions:
- Certain housekeeping enzymes function as virulence factors in pathogens.
- The surface display mechanism is crucial for their role in pathogenesis.
- Inhibiting enzyme secretion or surface reassociation presents a promising anti-infective strategy.