Engagement of integrins as a cellular route of invasion by bacterial pathogens.
Integrins are heterodimeric receptors that mediate important cell functions, including cell adhesion, migration and tissue organisation. These transmembrane receptors regulate the direct association of cells with each other and with extracellular matrix proteins. However, by binding their ligands, integrins provide a transmembrane link for the bidirectional transmission of mechanical forces and biochemical signals across the plasma membrane. Interestingly, several of this family of receptors are exploited by pathogens to establish contact with the host cells. Hence, microbes subvert normal eukaryotic cell processes to create a specialised niche which allows their survival. This review highlights the fundamental role of integrins in bacterial pathogenesis.
Dipartimento di Strutture, Funzioni e Tecnologie Biologiche, Università di Napoli Federico II, Via F. Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy.
Antonio
A
Scibelli
Sante
S
Roperto
Laura
L
Manna
Luigi Michele
LM
Pavone
Simona
S
Tafuri
Rossella
R
Della Morte
Norma
N
Staiano
D018829:Adhesins, Bacterial / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D001419:Bacteria / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D001422:Bacterial Adhesion / Q000502:physiology*; D018407:Bacterial Physiological Phenomena; D016023:Integrins / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction
D018829:Adhesins, Bacterial; D016023:Integrins