[Molecular biological basis of the gonococcal pathogenicity and specific features of immune response]

The pathogenicity factors of gonococci--pili, outer membrane proteins (porins, Opa proteins, iron-regulated proteins), lipooligosaccharide, a number of secreted enzymes--are considered according to our knowledge of their relationships with different human specialized cells, including neutrophils. The main stages of the infectious process of gonorrhea are described in the light of modern concept of "parasite-host" relationships. Materials on the instability of gonococcal antigens, and frequent formation of new antigenic variants are presented. This is the main cause of the absence of postinfectious immunity in gonorrhea and the limitation of possibility for creating effective vaccine in the near future.