Molecular chaperones in pathogen virulence: emerging new targets for therapy

Cell Host Microbe. 2008 Dec 11;4(6):519-27. doi: 10.1016/j.chom.2008.10.011.

Abstract

Infectious organisms have to cope with demanding and rapidly changing environments during establishment in the host. This is particularly relevant for pathogens that utilize different hosts to complete their life cycle. In addition to homeotic environmental challenges, other stressful factors, such as oxidative bursts, are often triggered in response to infection. It is not surprising that many successful pathogens have developed robust chaperone systems to conquer the stressful environments in the host. In addition to discussing ingenious ways by which pathogens have utilized chaperones, the potential of exploiting pathogen chaperones as drug targets is also discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Infective Agents / pharmacology*
  • Bacterial Physiological Phenomena*
  • Eukaryota / physiology*
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions*
  • Molecular Chaperones / metabolism*
  • Virus Physiological Phenomena*

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Molecular Chaperones