Genetic regulation of host responses to group A streptococcus in mice.
The group A streptococci (GAS, Streptococcus pyogenes) are important human pathogens which can cause a variety of diseases, ranging from mild infections to very severe invasive diseases. In recent years, evidence has been accumulated that host genetic factors have a major influence on the outcome of streptococcal infections. Variability in the degree of susceptibility of different inbred mouse strains to infection with GAS has demonstrated that the host genetic background largely determines the susceptibility of mice to this pathogen. This information is particularly useful for studying the immune mechanisms underlying disease susceptibility in mice, and provides an entry point for the identification of host defence loci. This paper reviews the recent advances in the characterisation of pathogenic mechanisms associated with the development of GAS-induced septic shock in the mouse model and outlines the current knowledge regarding the genetic control of immune responses to Group A streptococcus in mice.
Medina
Eva
E
Infection Immunology Research Group Infection Genetics, Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Vaccine Research, GBF-German Research Centre for Biotechnology, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany.
Lengeling
Andreas
A
D000818:Animals; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000378:metabolism; D008264:Macrophages / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D008957:Models, Genetic; D012213:Rheumatic Fever / Q000235:genetics; D013045:Species Specificity; D013297:Streptococcus pyogenes / Q000378:metabolism*; D018089:Superantigens; D013997:Time Factors; D019076:Transgenes
D006680:HLA Antigens; D018089:Superantigens