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Science 19 August 2005:
Vol. 309. no. 5738, p. 1149
DOI: 10.1126/science.309.5738.1149k
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This Week in Science
The host cells characteristics that allow for microbial invasion and residence are less well defined than the virulence factors that allow microbe entry. Using a genome-wide screening approach, Philips et al. (p. 1251, published online 14 July 2005) identified host factors required for infection by Mycobacterium fortuitum, which divides within vacuoles. Factors fell into two main categories: those that generally affect phagocytosis (the process by which cells engulf extracellular particles) and those that cause a specific defect in mycobacterial uptake or growth. A Drosophila member of the CD36 family of scavenger receptors was specifically required for the uptake of mycobacteria. Using a similar approach, Agaisse et al. (p. 1248, published online 14 July 2005) identified host factors that affect intracellular infection by Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterial pathogen that escapes from phagocytic vacuoles and replicates within the cytosol of host cells. Several phenotypes were observed, including decreases in the percentage of host cells infected, alterations of intracellular growth rates, and changes in subcellular location of bacteria. The identified host factors spanned a wide range of cellular functions. Comparing the two studies revealed host factors that specifically affect access to the cytosol by L. monocytogenes and host pathways that are differentially required for intracellular infection by a cytosolic versus a vacuolar intracellular bacterial pathogen.
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Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)
