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Subversion and exploitation of host cells by mycoplasmas
1Dept of Membrane and Ultrastructure Research, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel. rottem@cc.huji.ac.il
Trends in Microbiology
|December 10, 1998
Summary
Mycoplasmas are tiny bacteria that invade host cells, causing damage and altering cell functions. These wall-less parasites survive by evading immune responses and manipulating host defenses.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Mycoplasmas are unique wall-less bacteria known for their parasitic nature.
- They display specific preferences for hosts and tissues.
- These bacteria can persist within hosts for long durations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which mycoplasmas interact with and damage host cells.
- To understand how mycoplasmas evade host immune defenses.
- To investigate the modulation of host cell activity by mycoplasmas.
Main Methods:
- Observational studies of mycoplasma-host cell interactions.
- Analysis of mycoplasma survival strategies within host environments.
- Investigation of cellular damage pathways induced by mycoplasmas.
- Assessment of cytokine-mediated effects on host cells.
Main Results:
- Mycoplasmas enter, multiply, and survive within hosts by evading defenses.
- Intimate interactions, including invasion or fusion, lead to eukaryotic cell damage.
- Mycoplasmas modulate host cell activity through direct and indirect (cytokine-mediated) mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Mycoplasmas employ sophisticated strategies to establish persistent infections.
- Their interaction with host cells results in significant cellular damage and functional modulation.
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing therapeutic interventions against mycoplasma infections.