title: Mobile DNA in the Pathogenic Neisseria.
abstract: The genus Neisseria contains two pathogenic species of prominant public health concern: Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Neisseria meningitidis. These pathogens display a notable ability to undergo frequent programmed recombination events. The recombination-mediated pathways of transformation and pilin antigenic variation in the Neisseria are well-studied systems that are critical for pathogenesis. Here we will detail the conserved and unique aspects of transformation and antigenic variation in the Neisseria. Transformation will be followed from initial DNA binding through recombination into the genome with consideration to the factors necessary at each step. Additional focus is paid to the unique type IV secretion system that mediates donation of transforming DNA in the pathogenic Neisseria. The pilin antigenic variation system uses programmed recombinations to alter a major surface determinant, which allows immune avoidance and promotes infection. We discuss the trans- and cis- acting factors which facilitate pilin antigenic variation and present the current understanding of the mechanisms involved in the process.
authors.forename: Kyle P
authors.initials: KP
authors.lastname: Obergfell
authors.forename: H Steven
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Seifert
mesh_terms: D000940:Antigenic Variation; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D001692:Biological Transport; D061269:DNA Transformation Competence; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics*; D036781:Fimbriae Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D057131:Immune Evasion; D020071:Interspersed Repetitive Sequences; D009344:Neisseria gonorrhoeae / Q000235:genetics*; D009345:Neisseria meningitidis / Q000235:genetics*; D011995:Recombination, Genetic; D000069319:Type IV Secretion Systems
chemical_list: D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D000069319:Type IV Secretion Systems; D036781:Fimbriae Proteins