Bacterial stress response: understanding the molecular mechanics to identify possible therapeutic targets

Bacteria are ubiquitous and many of them are pathogenic in nature. Entry of bacteria in host and its recognition by host defense system induce stress in host cells. With time, bacteria have also developed strategies including drug resistance to escape from antibacterial therapy as well as host defense mechanism.

Bacterial stress initiates and promotes adaptive immune response through several integrated mechanisms. The mechanisms of bacteria to up and down regulate different pathways involved in these responses have been discussed. The genetic expression of these pathways can be manipulated by the pharmacological interventions. Present review discusses in these contexts and explores the possibilities to overcome stress induced by bacterial pathogens and to suggest new possible therapeutic targets.

In our opinion, there are two important fronts to regulate the bacterial stress. One is to target caspase involved in the process of transformation and translation at gene level and protein expression. Second is the identification of bacterial genes that lead to synthesis of abnormal end products supporting bacterial survival in host environment and also to surpass the host defense mechanism. Identification of such genes and their expression products could be an effective option to encounter bacterial resistance.