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Interaction of the Human Contact System with Pathogens-An Update
Sonja Oehmcke-Hecht1, Juliane Köhler1
1Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany.
Frontiers in Immunology
|March 15, 2018
Summary
The human contact system activates in response to foreign materials and pathogens, initiating inflammatory and immune responses. Pathogens have evolved mechanisms to manipulate this system for their own benefit.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
- Microbiology
Background:
- The human contact system is activated by negatively charged surfaces, artificial materials, misfolded proteins, and foreign organisms.
- It plays a crucial role in inflammatory responses and innate immune defense.
- The system is involved in intrinsic coagulation and the release of bradykinin and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current research on pathogen interactions with the human contact system.
- To focus on bacterial and viral mechanisms that activate the contact system and trigger inflammation.
- To understand how pathogens manipulate this host immune response.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on the contact system and pathogens.
- Analysis of studies detailing pathogen-induced contact system activation.
- Focus on mechanisms employed by bacteria and viruses.
Main Results:
- Pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, interact with and activate the contact system.
- Pathogens have developed specific mechanisms to trigger contact system activation.
- This activation can lead to inflammation and manipulation of the host immune response.
Conclusions:
- The contact system is a key component of the innate immune system that pathogens target.
- Understanding these interactions is crucial for developing new therapeutic strategies against infections.
- Pathogen manipulation of the contact system highlights a complex host-pathogen interplay.
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