An evolutionary view on bacteria-hostcell interactions
1996
Vercauteren, R. (Gent Univ., Merelbeke (Belgium). Faculteit Diergeneeskunde.)
Recent data about the molecular mechanism of bacteria-host cell interactions are survied. Number of evasive mechanisms with protozoa (avoidance or killing of the phagocyte, internalisation and survival within the host) which bacteria could compete were probably early acquisitions during evolution. Later on, horizontal transmission of animal genetic material granted many more pathogenic properties. Evidently the defense mechanism of the host co-evoluated by the synthesis of antibiotics (e.g. antimicrobial steroids), antigen presentation by histocompatibility complexes, cytotoxic lymphocytes and the development of a very sofisticated immune system cooperating with the first line defense. The continuous evolutive pressure on the bacteria-host relationship produced a number of skilled microorganisms that provoke, overcome or co-opt the animal defense mechanisms. Internalisation mechanisms of some bacteria and bacterial exotoxins are described as an example. The data collected provide a wealth of information for the production of new drugs, vaccines and immunotoxins.
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