Mechanisms of pathogen entry through the endosomal compartments

Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 2006 Jul;7(7):495-504. doi: 10.1038/nrm1959. Epub 2006 Jun 14.

Abstract

Several pathogens - bacteria, viruses and parasites - must enter mammalian cells for survival, replication and immune-system evasion. These pathogens generally make use of existing cellular pathways that are designed for nutrient uptake, receptor downregulation and signalling. Because most of these pathways end in lysosomes, an organelle that is capable of killing microorganisms, pathogens have developed remarkable means to avoid interactions with this lytic organelle.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bacteria / metabolism*
  • Bacteria / pathogenicity
  • Cell Membrane / chemistry
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Endocytosis / physiology
  • Endosomes* / metabolism
  • Endosomes* / microbiology
  • Endosomes* / parasitology
  • Endosomes* / virology
  • Infections / metabolism
  • Intracellular Membranes / metabolism
  • Intracellular Membranes / ultrastructure
  • Lysosomes / metabolism*
  • Viruses / metabolism*
  • Viruses / pathogenicity