Meningococcal interactions with the host

Vaccine. 2009 Jun 24:27 Suppl 2:B78-89. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2009.04.069. Epub 2009 May 28.

Abstract

Neisseria meningitidis interacts with host tissues through hierarchical, concerted and co-ordinated actions of a number of adhesins; many of which undergo antigenic and phase variation, a strategy that helps immune evasion. Three major structures, pili, Opa and Opc predominantly influence bacterial adhesion to host cells. Pili and Opa proteins also determine host and tissue specificity while Opa and Opc facilitate efficient cellular invasion. Recent studies have also implied a role of certain adhesin-receptor pairs in determining increased host susceptibility to infection. This chapter examines our current knowledge of meningococcal adhesion and invasion mechanisms particularly related to human epithelial and endothelial cells which are of primary importance in the disease process.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adhesins, Bacterial / physiology*
  • Bacterial Adhesion*
  • Endothelial Cells / microbiology
  • Epithelial Cells / microbiology
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions*
  • Humans
  • Neisseria meningitidis / immunology*
  • Neisseria meningitidis / physiology*
  • Virulence Factors / physiology

Substances

  • Adhesins, Bacterial
  • Virulence Factors