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Animal Models of Type III Secretion System-Mediated Pathogenesis
Julia A Hotinger1, Aaron E May1
1Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA.
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)
|November 27, 2019
Summary
This review highlights animal models for studying type III secretion system (T3SS) activity and bacterial infections. These models are crucial for developing new anti-virulence drugs targeting T3SS.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The type III secretion system (T3SS) is a critical virulence factor in Gram-negative bacteria.
- T3SS inhibitors are a promising anti-virulence drug target.
- In vitro assays are insufficient for evaluating drug efficacy and pharmacokinetics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review animal models used for studying T3SS activity and bacterial pathogenesis.
- To identify suitable models for T3SS inhibitor drug development and vaccine research.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating T3SS activity and infectivity in various animal models.
- Analysis of pathogens and host-pathogen interactions within selected animal models.
Main Results:
- A comprehensive list of animal models, including mouse, rat, guinea pig, rabbit, cat, dog, pig, cattle, primates, chicken, zebrafish, nematode, wax moth, flea, fly, and amoeba, are discussed.
- These models have been utilized to study T3SS activity in conjunction with pathogens like *Escherichia coli*, *Salmonella* spp., *Pseudomonas* spp., *Shigella* spp., *Bordetella* spp., *Vibrio* spp., *Chlamydia* spp., and *Yersinia* spp.
Conclusions:
- Selected animal models are essential for in vivo assessment of T3SS function and infectivity.
- These models provide a platform for evaluating the efficacy of T3SS inhibitors and developing new anti-virulence strategies.
