Open AccessMechanisms and consequences of persistence of intracellular pathogens: leishmaniasis as an example
Author(s) -
Bogdan Christian
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
cellular microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.542
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1462-5822
pISSN - 1462-5814
DOI - 10.1111/j.1462-5822.2008.01146.x
Subject(s) - biology , effector , intracellular , intracellular parasite , leishmania , protozoa , leishmaniasis , immune system , persistence (discontinuity) , immunity , protozoan parasite , microbiology and biotechnology , immunology , parasite hosting , geotechnical engineering , engineering , world wide web , computer science
Summary Lifelong persistence after clinical cure of the primary infection is a characteristic feature of many intracellular pathogens, including viruses, bacteria and protozoa. The underlying mechanisms are complex and range from the passive protection against toxic effector molecules of the host and the remodelling of intracellular compartments as safe niches to the active modulation of the immune response at multiple levels. Parasites of the genus Leishmania have been particular helpful in unravelling some of the basic processes and form therefore the centre of the discussion.