Abstract
Bacterial protein toxins alter eukaryotic cellular processes and enable bacteria to successfully colonize their hosts. In recent years, there has been increased recognition that many bacterial toxins are multifunctional proteins that can have pleiotropic effects on mammalian cells and tissues. In this review, we examine a multifunctional toxin (VacA) that is produced by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. The actions of H. pylori VacA represent a paradigm for how bacterial secreted toxins contribute to colonization and virulence in multiple ways.
Publication types
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Antigen Presentation
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Bacterial Proteins / chemistry
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Bacterial Proteins / genetics
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Bacterial Proteins / physiology*
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Bacterial Toxins / chemistry
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Bacterial Toxins / genetics
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Bacterial Toxins / toxicity*
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Epithelial Cells / microbiology
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Epithelial Cells / physiology
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Gastric Mucosa / microbiology
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Helicobacter Infections / microbiology*
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Helicobacter pylori / growth & development
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Helicobacter pylori / pathogenicity*
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Humans
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Peptic Ulcer / microbiology
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Phagocytosis
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Stomach Neoplasms / microbiology
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T-Lymphocytes / immunology
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T-Lymphocytes / microbiology
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Virulence
Substances
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Bacterial Proteins
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Bacterial Toxins
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VacA protein, Helicobacter pylori