Article Abstract:
Gram-positive and gram-negative pathogenic bacteria produce modulins that act as virulence factors by stimulating cytokine synthesis and causing host tissue pathology. The modulins comprise of various bacterial components such as outer membrane proteins, surface-associated proteins, heat shock proteins, glycoproteins, lipoproteins, porins, teichoic acid and exotoxins. The major histocompatibility complex class II is the main receptor for the modulins. Some of the modulins act on cells by binding to CD14. The modulins regulate the host's immune responses and commensal flora.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Article Abstract:
Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are found in the outer membrane of the gram-negative diplococcus Neisseria meningitidis and are linked to the virulence of the bacteria. The differences between the immunotypes of the 12 identified meningococcal LPS were found in the oligosaccharide component of the LPS molecule which differ in structure, amount and location of phosphoethanolamine groups and the acetylation of monosaccharides. The attentuatuion of LPS or its oligosaccharide components may be used in the development of a vaccine against the bacteria.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Article Abstract:
Protection from the pathogenicity of the pneumococci results from complement and anti-capsular polysaccharide antibodies that cause phagocytosis of the pathogens. The products of degradation of pneumococci, including cell wall components and the intracellular toxin pneumolysin, also need to be removed as they cause inflammations during pneumococcal infections. Effective vaccines should incorporate capsular polysaccharide and one or more inflammatory factors.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic: