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Bacteria-phagocyte interactions: emerging tactics in an ancient rivalry.
1Department of Bacterial Diseases, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Washington, DC 20307-5100.
FEMS Microbiology Immunology
|December 1, 1990
Summary
Bacterial pathogens can evade phagocyte defenses despite multiple killing mechanisms. Understanding molecular interactions could lead to new treatments enhancing immune responses against infection.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Phagocytes possess redundant oxidative and non-oxidative killing mechanisms against pathogens.
- Bacterial pathogens can still evade these host defenses in vivo, leading to severe infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the molecular mechanisms of phagocyte function.
- To identify bacterial virulence determinants and their specific effects within phagocytes.
Main Methods:
- Molecular-level analysis of phagocyte-pathogen interactions.
- Identification of bacterial virulence factors and their targets in phagocytes.
Main Results:
- Specific bacterial virulence determinants and their sites of action within phagocytes are being identified.
- Detailed understanding of molecular interactions between phagocytes and bacteria.
Conclusions:
- Knowledge of these molecular interactions may enable the development of immunomodulators.
- Potential to neutralize bacterial virulence factors or enhance phagocyte bactericidal capacity.