The immune response to infection with Treponema pallidum, the stealth pathogen

Microbes Infect. 2002 Sep;4(11):1133-40. doi: 10.1016/s1286-4579(02)01638-6.

Abstract

Cutaneous immunobiology and spirochetal molecular biology have allowed investigators to propose a conceptual framework for the development of both the innate and adaptive immune response to Treponema pallidum infection. While some clinical manifestations can be attributed to humoral responses, most can be attributed to a combination of local innate and adaptive cellular immunity.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Antibody Formation
  • Blister / etiology
  • Blister / immunology
  • Genome
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Cellular
  • Lipoproteins / agonists
  • Lipoproteins / metabolism
  • Polymorphism, Genetic
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • Syphilis / immunology*
  • Syphilis / pathology
  • Treponema pallidum / immunology
  • Treponema pallidum / pathogenicity*
  • Treponema pallidum / ultrastructure

Substances

  • Lipoproteins