Molecular mechanisms exploited by Listeria monocytogenes during host cell invasion

Microbes Infect. 2007 Aug;9(10):1167-75. doi: 10.1016/j.micinf.2007.05.004. Epub 2007 May 7.

Abstract

The facultative intracellular bacterial pathogen Listeria monocytogenes has evolved multiple strategies to invade a large panel of mammalian cells. Host cell invasion is critical for several stages of listeriosis pathology such as the initial crossing of the host intestinal barrier and the successive colonization of diverse target organs including the placenta. In this review, we address the main molecular mechanisms known to be used by L. monocytogenes during invasion of nonphagocytic cells and host tissues.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism
  • Bacterial Proteins / physiology*
  • Female
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions
  • Humans
  • Listeria monocytogenes / metabolism
  • Listeria monocytogenes / pathogenicity*
  • Listeriosis / microbiology*
  • Placenta / microbiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Virulence Factors / metabolism
  • Virulence Factors / physiology*

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Virulence Factors
  • internalin protein, Bacteria