Beyond host-pathogen interactions: microbial defense strategy in the host environment

Curr Opin Biotechnol. 2007 Jun;18(3):279-86. doi: 10.1016/j.copbio.2007.04.001. Epub 2007 Apr 23.

Abstract

Many extracellular pathogenic bacteria colonize human or animal bodies through evasion of the host immune system, a process called host-pathogen interaction. What happens when other intruders try to invade the same host and try to establish themselves in the same niche is largely unknown. In one well-studied case, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is known to secrete the protein azurin as a weapon against such invaders as cancers, parasites and viruses. The production of such weapons by pathogenic bacteria could provide important insights into how a pathogen responds in the post-colonization state to impede other intruders for its own survival. Moreover, these molecules might find use in the pharmaceutical industry as next-generation therapeutics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Bacterial Physiological Phenomena*
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / drug effects
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / pathogenicity
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents