Modulation of host actin dynamics in pathogenic infections: An emergent perspective

Modulation of host actin dynamics by pathogens to enter and survive inside cells is a central theme of many pathogenic infections. Decades of research have given us deep insights into the role of individual pathogenic factors in regulating host actin dynamics. However, the combinatorial effects of pathogenic factors and their complex interplay in generating the wide plethora of actin structures are just beginning to be unraveled. This review aims to provide an emergent perspective on the modulation of host actin dynamics by pathogens. We begin with a discussion of pathogen-generated actin structures, provide insights into molecular mimicry mechanisms used by pathogenic factors to regulate actin remodeling, and conclude by examining the effect of pathogenic infections on modulation of host actin dynamics.