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Cell biology and immunology lessons taught by Legionella pneumophila

Wenhan Zhu1, Zhao-Qing Luo2

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN47907, USA.

Science China. Life Sciences
|November 25, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Legionella pneumophila uses numerous virulence factors delivered by the Dot/Icm system to survive inside host cells. This review explores how these effectors manipulate host functions and evade immune detection.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Pathogen Biology
  • Cellular Microbiology

Background:

  • Legionella pneumophila is a facultative intracellular pathogen.
  • It possesses approximately 300 virulence factors (effectors).
  • These effectors are delivered via the Dot/Icm type IV secretion system.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the roles of Legionella pneumophila effectors in establishing a replication niche within host phagocytes.
  • To discuss recent advancements in understanding innate immune detection of L. pneumophila.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on Legionella pneumophila virulence factors.
  • Analysis of studies investigating host-pathogen interactions.
  • Examination of research on innate immune responses to L. pneumophila infection.

Main Results:

  • Legionella pneumophila effectors are crucial for creating a permissive intracellular replication environment.
  • These effectors modulate host cell processes and evade immune surveillance.
  • Recent studies have shed light on how immune cells detect and respond to L. pneumophila.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding Legionella pneumophila effectors provides insights into pathogen strategies for host manipulation.
  • Dissection of immune detection mechanisms is key to combating L. pneumophila infections.
  • Further research on effector function and immune evasion is warranted.
Keywords:
Type IV secretioneffectorsinflammasomeposttranslational modificationvesicle transport

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