Complement inhibition by gram-positive pathogens: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic implications.
The plasma proteins of the complement system are essential in the innate immune response against bacteria. Complement labels bacteria with opsonins to support phagocytosis and generates chemoattractants to attract phagocytes to the site of infection. In turn, bacterial human pathogens have evolved different strategies to specifically impair the complement response. Here, we review the large arsenal of complement inhibitors produced by the gram-positive pathogens Staphylococcus aureus and Group A Streptococcus. We discuss how these bacterial molecules provide us with new tools to treat both infectious and inflammatory disease conditions in humans.
Laarman
Alexander
A
Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO G04.614, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands.
Milder
Fin
F
van Strijp
Jos
J
Rooijakkers
Suzan
S
D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D003167:Complement Activation / Q000276:immunology*; D006094:Gram-Positive Bacteria / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000472:pathogenicity; D006801:Humans; D057131:Immune Evasion; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology; D013297:Streptococcus pyogenes / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000472:pathogenicity*
D001426:Bacterial Proteins