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Frenemies: Signaling and Nutritional Integration in Pathogen-Microbiota-Host Interactions
Elizabeth A Cameron1, Vanessa Sperandio1
1Departments of Microbiology and Biochemistry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9048, USA.
Cell Host & Microbe
|September 11, 2015
Summary
The gut microbiota is crucial for health, but pathogens exploit its signals. Understanding these interactions may lead to new ways to prevent and treat gut infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
Background:
- The mammalian gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota plays vital roles in host health, including nutrition, immunity, and development.
- Host-bacterial symbiosis relies on chemical signaling and nutrient exchange, which can be disrupted by environmental factors like infectious diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review signaling and nutrient recognition systems used by GI pathogens.
- To discuss how microbiota composition affects host susceptibility to infection.
- To explore dietary or microbiota manipulation for preventing/ameliorating GI infections.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of signaling and nutrient recognition systems in GI pathogens.
- Analysis of host-microbiota interactions in the context of infection.
- Discussion of potential therapeutic strategies targeting the microbiota.
Main Results:
- GI pathogens utilize host and microbiota-derived signals and nutrients to regulate virulence.
- Altered microbiota composition can increase host susceptibility to enteric pathogens.
- Dietary interventions and microbiota modulation show promise for infection management.
Conclusions:
- Understanding pathogen-host-microbiota signaling is key to combating GI infections.
- Targeting these interactions offers potential therapeutic avenues for GI diseases.
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