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The elaborate and skilful host-cell manipulations ofListeria monocytogenes provide researchers with a powerful model system to study host–pathogen interactions, as well as bacterial pathophysiology and adaptation. In addition, L. monocytogenescan be used as a tool to explore fundamental cellular processes such as cytoskeletal dynamics and cellular adhesion.
The opportunistic human pathogensCandida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatusare both important causes of nosocomial infectious disease and pose a significant threat to immunocompromised individuals. Here, the authors review the signal-transduction pathways that contribute to oxidant-stress adaptation in both these species.
There is growing evidence to suggest that the interaction between bacteria and platelets is crucial in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular infections. Here, the authors review our current understanding of these interactions and their role in the pathogenesis of infective endocarditis and other cardiovascular diseases.
The non-pathogenic environmental ε-proteobacteria are ubiquitous in marine and terrestrial ecosystems, and impact significantly on the biogeochemistry of their habitats. In this review, Campbell, Engel and co-authors present an overview of the basic taxonomy, phylogeny and ecophysiology of this important group of organisms.
Yasir Skeiky and Jerry Sadoff outline the current state of play in the development of effective vaccines againstMycobacterium tuberculosis. Promising strategies include the use of modified recombinant BCG, live attenuated M. tuberculosisand subunit vaccines alone or in prime?boost regimens to optimize immunity and vaccine safety.
Trypanosoma brucei rhodesienseis one of the causative agents of sleeping sickness, owing to its ability to resist lysis by human serum. In this Opinion article, the authors contend that a pore-forming apolipoprotein known as APOL1 is the factor that is responsible for the trypanolytic activity of human serum.
