Generic placeholder image

Current Pharmaceutical Design

Editor-in-Chief

ISSN (Print): 1381-6128
ISSN (Online): 1873-4286

Bacterial Proteases in Disease – Role in Intracellular Survival, Evasion of Coagulation/ Fibrinolysis Innate Defenses, Toxicoses and Viral Infections

Author(s): Grzegorz Dubin, Joanna Koziel, Krzysztof Pyrc, Benedykt Wladyka and Jan Potempa

Volume 19, Issue 6, 2013

Page: [1090 - 1113] Pages: 24

DOI: 10.2174/1381612811319060011

Price: $65

Abstract

Pathogenic bacteria have evolved multiple mechanisms aimed to evade host defenses. This review summarizes selected examples of how bacteria utilize proteolytic enzymes to efficiently establish and spread infection systemically. First, the role of proteases in intracellular survival and persistence – the primary means used by bacteria to endure phagocytosis and/or avoid the vigilance of the immune system – is discussed. Second, it is demonstrated how some bacteria escape entanglement in fibrin(ogen) meshes, by inducing their proteolytic dissolution while other species modify the proteolytic cascade of mesh formation to divert this important innate immune defense for their own benefit. Third, bacterial proteolytic toxins are introduced, which allow microorganisms to exert and take advantage of systemic effects already during primary, localized infection. Finally, it is discussed how viruses utilize bacterial proteases by taking advantage of concurrent infection, and how pathogens may even mutually benefit from the joint presence of other pathogens. The reviewed adaptations are often essential for pathogen survival in the hostile environment of a host organism. As such, the potential benefits of pharmacological interference in relevant pathways for the struggle against bacterial pathogens are also discussed.

Keywords: Protease, proteinase, bacteria, intracellular survival, coagulation, fibrinolysis, toxins, viral infection, pathogenesis.


Rights & Permissions Print Cite
© 2024 Bentham Science Publishers | Privacy Policy