title: Bacterial Toxins as Pathogen Weapons Against Phagocytes.
abstract: Bacterial toxins are virulence factors that manipulate host cell functions and take over the control of vital processes of living organisms to favor microbial infection. Some toxins directly target innate immune cells, thereby annihilating a major branch of the host immune response. In this review we will focus on bacterial toxins that act from the extracellular milieu and hinder the function of macrophages and neutrophils. In particular, we will concentrate on toxins from Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria that manipulate cell signaling or induce cell death by either imposing direct damage to the host cells cytoplasmic membrane or enzymatically modifying key eukaryotic targets. Outcomes regarding pathogen dissemination, host damage and disease progression will be discussed.
authors: Host Interaction and Response, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do PortoPorto, Portugal; Group of Fish Immunology and Vaccinology, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do PortoPorto, Portugal.
authors: Ana
authors: A
authors: do Vale
authors: Host Interaction and Response, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do PortoPorto, Portugal; Group of Molecular Microbiology, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do PortoPorto, Portugal.
authors: Didier
authors: D
authors: Cabanes
authors: Host Interaction and Response, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do PortoPorto, Portugal; Group of Molecular Microbiology, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do PortoPorto, Portugal.
authors: Sandra
authors: S
authors: Sousa
keywords: bacterial exotoxin; immunomodulation; innate immune response; macrophage; neutrophil; phagocyte