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Infectious gastroenterocolitides in children: an update on emerging pathogens
P M Sherman1, M Petric, M B Cohen
1Department of Pediatrics, Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Pediatric Clinics of North America
|April 1, 1996
Summary
Bacterial infections trigger cellular responses that can be targeted for new therapies. Understanding these signal transduction pathways offers novel approaches for preventing and treating gastrointestinal infectious diseases.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Bacterial infections activate signal transduction pathways in epithelial cells.
- These pathways involve the production of chemokines like interleukin-8 and changes in cytosolic second messengers such as calcium.
- Existing research suggests potential therapeutic targets within these host-pathogen interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore novel therapeutic strategies by targeting signal transduction responses induced by bacterial infections.
- To investigate the role of specific signaling molecules in the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal infections.
- To identify potential interventions for preventing and treating human illnesses caused by microbial pathogens.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of signal transduction pathways in infected epithelial cells.
- Investigation of chemokine production (e.g., interleukin-8) in response to bacterial stimuli.
- Evaluation of the effects of modulating cytosolic second messengers, including calcium, on infection outcomes.
Main Results:
- Bacterial infections induce epithelial cell production of interleukin-8, attracting neutrophils.
- Elevations in cytosolic calcium ([Ca2+]i) and inositol triphosphate (IP3) mediate diarrheal responses.
- Calcium/calmodulin inhibitors, like zaldaride maleate, show promise in treating infectious diarrhea.
Conclusions:
- Targeting chemokine production or their effects may reduce mucosal inflammation and its sequelae.
- Modulating calcium signaling pathways presents a viable therapeutic approach for gastrointestinal infections.
- Further research into host cell signal transduction responses to microbes will yield new insights and therapeutic avenues.