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Possible effects of microbial ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolases on host-pathogen interactions
Fiona M Sansom1, Simon C Robson, Elizabeth L Hartland
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia. .
Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews : MMBR
|December 5, 2008
Summary
Ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolases (ecto-NTPDases) regulate purinergic signaling. Microbial ecto-NTPDases are linked to pathogen virulence and may be novel targets for anti-infective drug development.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Purinergic signaling, mediated by extracellular nucleotides, modulates immune responses.
- Ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolases (ecto-NTPDases) regulate extracellular nucleotide levels, impacting hemostasis and inflammation.
- Pathogenic microbes express ecto-NTPDases linked to virulence and host-pathogen interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the characterization of microbial ecto-NTPDases.
- To compare microbial ecto-NTPDases with mammalian enzymes.
- To explore the potential of microbial ecto-NTPDases as anti-infective targets.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of ecto-NTPDase research in microbial pathogens.
- Comparative analysis of microbial and mammalian ecto-NTPDase structures and functions.
- Postulation of ecto-NTPDase roles in host-pathogen interactions.
Main Results:
- Microbial ecto-NTPDases differ structurally and enzymatically from mammalian counterparts.
- These enzymes are associated with pathogen viability and virulence.
- Microbial ecto-NTPDases can influence host purinergic signaling.
Conclusions:
- Microbial ecto-NTPDases are crucial for pathogen survival and virulence.
- Differences between microbial and mammalian ecto-NTPDases offer opportunities for targeted drug development.
- Targeting microbial ecto-NTPDases presents a promising strategy for novel anti-infective therapies.
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