The role of complement in gonococcal infection of cervical epithelia.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae is an exclusive human pathogen that causes the sexually transmitted disease, gonorrhea. The gonococcus has developed an exquisite repertoire of mechanisms by which it is able to evade host innate and adaptive immune responses. Our previous data indicate that the predominately asymptomatic nature ofgonococcal cervicitis may, in part, be attributed to the ability of these bacteria to subvert the normal function of complement to promote cervical disease. Herein we describe the interaction of N. gonorrhoeae with the complement alternative pathway with a particular focus on the importance of this interaction in promoting gonococcal cervicitis.
Edwards
Jennifer L
JL
The Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, The Ohio State University, 700 Children's Drive, W503 Columbus, OH 43205, United States. edwardsj@ccri.net
D003179:Complement C3b / Q000502:physiology; D003165:Complement System Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006069:Gonorrhea / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D016177:Macrophage-1 Antigen / Q000502:physiology; D051916:Membrane Cofactor Protein / Q000502:physiology; D002575:Uterine Cervicitis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology
C497857:CD46 protein, human; D016177:Macrophage-1 Antigen; D051916:Membrane Cofactor Protein; D003179:Complement C3b; D003165:Complement System Proteins