Complex regulatory networks of virulence factors in Vibrio vulnificus

Abstract

The fulminating zoonotic pathogen Vibrio vulnificus is the causative agent of fatal septicemia in humans and fish, raising tremendous economic burdens in healthcare and the aquaculture industry. V. vulnificus exploits various virulence factors, including biofilm-related factors and exotoxins, for its persistence in nature and pathogenesis during infection. Substantial studies have found that the expression of virulence factors is coordinately regulated by numerous transcription factors that recognize the changing environments. Here, we summarize and discuss the recent discoveries of the physiological roles of virulence factors in V. vulnificus and their regulation by transcription factors in response to various environmental signals. This expanded understanding of molecular pathogenesis would provide novel clues to develop an effective antivirulence therapy against V. vulnificus infection.

Keywords: Vibrio vulnificus; antivirulence therapy; environmental signal; transcription factor; virulence factor.