Campylobacter jejuni host tissue tropism: a consequence of its low-carb lifestyle?
Mechanisms underlying virulence properties of Campylobacter jejuni have historically been difficult to identify. In this issue of Cell Host & Microbe, Hofreuter et al. (2008) show that C. jejuni's ability to metabolize glutamine, glutathione, and asparagine affects its ability to colonize specific host tissues. These findings reflect the emerging theme of bacterial physiology directly impacting pathogenesis.
Thompson
Stuart A
SA
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA.
Gaynor
Erin C
EC
D002169:Campylobacter Infections / Q000382:microbiology*; D016123:Campylobacter jejuni / Q000235:genetics / Q000472:pathogenicity / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009928:Organ Specificity; D014774:Virulence