Abstracto

Bacterial Lipoproteins Diverse Role in Host-Pathogen Interactions

Ciamak Ghazaei

Lipoproteins have been identified in different strains of bacteria with vital functions and therefore these proteins are essential for their survival. Lipoproteins play roles in adhesion, conjugation, nutrition uptake, signal transduction, sporulation, transport, protein folding and virulence. The number of predicted lipoproteins in bacteria has increased in recent years. Lipoproteins present in bacteria are mainly confined to cell membrane and are involved in the bacterial-host interactions critical for the survival of bacteria. This paper reviews developments focusing interactions of bacteria with the host for their colonization within the host, adhesion to host surfaces and internalization of the host cells and tissues. Bacterial-host interactions involve sophisticated molecular mechanisms which are highly complex and adaptive in pathogenic organisms. The paper discusses, in particular, interactions involving lipoproteins of three strains, Neisseria meningitides, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Streptococcus pneumoniae during the process of their pathogenesis. Advances leading to a better understanding of the role of lipoproteins in bacterial-host interaction are expected to lead to develop of novel therapeutic agents and vaccines.