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Actin dynamics in host-pathogen interaction

Theresia E B Stradal1, Mario Schelhaas2

  • 1Department of Cell Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Braunschweig, Germany.

FEBS Letters
|June 24, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Pathogens target the actin cytoskeleton and Rho GTPase signaling, essential for cell processes like motility and autophagy. This review highlights pathogen-hijacked actin structures and future research directions.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Microbiology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • The actin cytoskeleton is crucial for fundamental cellular processes, including membrane remodeling, trafficking, and motility.
  • Rho GTPases are key regulators of actin assembly and dynamics.
  • Bacterial and viral pathogens frequently exploit the host cell's actin cytoskeleton for their life cycles.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an overview of prominent pathogen-induced or -hijacked actin structures.
  • To explore the sophisticated interactions between pathogens and the host actin cytoskeleton.
  • To offer an outlook on future research in this field.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing research on pathogen-actin interactions.
  • Analysis of documented pathogen-induced actin rearrangements.
  • Synthesis of current knowledge and identification of research gaps.

Main Results:

  • Pathogens manipulate actin for entry, replication, and egress.
  • Diverse actin structures are formed or co-opted by various pathogens.
  • Rho GTPase signaling pathways are frequently subverted by pathogens.

Conclusions:

  • The actin cytoskeleton is a central hub for pathogen manipulation.
  • Understanding these interactions is vital for developing novel therapeutic strategies.
  • Future research will likely reveal more intricate pathogen-host actin crosstalk.
Keywords:
actin dynamicsbacterial invasionhost-pathogen interactionviral entryvirulence factors

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