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Genetic Dissection of the Host Tropism of Human-Tropic Pathogens
Florian Douam1, Jenna M Gaska1, Benjamin Y Winer1
1Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544; email: fdouam@princeton.edu , jgaska@princeton.edu , bwiner@princeton.edu , qding@princeton.edu , schaewen@princeton.edu , aploss@princeton.edu.
Abstract:
Infectious diseases are the second leading cause of death worldwide. Although the host multitropism of some pathogens has rendered their manipulation possible in animal models, the human-restricted tropism of numerous viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites has seriously hampered our understanding of these pathogens. Hence, uncovering the genetic basis underlying the narrow tropism of such pathogens is critical for understanding their mechanisms of infection and pathogenesis. Moreover, such genetic dissection is essential for the generation of permissive animal models that can serve as critical tools for the development of therapeutics or vaccines against challenging human pathogens. In this review, we describe different experimental approaches utilized to uncover the genetic foundation regulating pathogen host tropism as well as their relevance for studying the tropism of several important human pathogens. Finally, we discuss the current and future uses of this knowledge for generating genetically modified animal models permissive for these pathogens.
Insights
Understanding pathogen host tropism is key to fighting infectious diseases. This review explores genetic methods to uncover pathogen tropism, aiding in developing new treatments and animal models for human pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Infectious diseases rank as the second leading global cause of mortality.
- Human-restricted pathogen tropism hinders understanding of infection mechanisms and pathogenesis.
- Developing effective therapeutics and vaccines against challenging human pathogens is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review experimental approaches for uncovering the genetic basis of pathogen host tropism.
- To highlight the relevance of these methods for studying human pathogens.
- To discuss the application of this knowledge in creating genetically modified animal models.
Main Methods:
- Review of experimental genetic approaches to study pathogen tropism.
- Analysis of case studies involving important human pathogens.
- Discussion of the utility of genetically modified animal models.
Main Results:
- Various experimental strategies exist to identify genes controlling pathogen host tropism.
- Understanding these genetic factors is vital for pathogen research.
- Genetically modified animal models can be engineered for improved pathogen studies.
Conclusions:
- Uncovering the genetic basis of pathogen tropism is critical for advancing infectious disease research.
- This knowledge facilitates the development of novel therapeutic and vaccine strategies.
- Genetically engineered animal models offer powerful platforms for studying human-specific pathogens.
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