Exported proteins in probiotic bacteria: adhesion to intestinal surfaces, host immunomodulation and molecular cross-talking with the host

FEMS Immunol Med Microbiol. 2008 Oct;54(1):1-17. doi: 10.1111/j.1574-695X.2008.00454.x. Epub 2008 Jul 8.

Abstract

The group of exported proteins of a bacterium are those proteins that are sorted from the cytoplasm to the bacterial surface or to the surroundings of the microorganism. In probiotic bacteria, these proteins are of special relevance because they might determine important traits such as adhesion to intestinal surfaces and molecular cross-talking with the host. Current knowledge about the presence and biological relevance of exported proteins produced by the main genera of probiotic bacteria in the gastrointestinal environment is reviewed in this minireview. As will be seen, some of these proteins are involved in host adhesion or are able to modify certain signalization pathways within host cells, whereas others are important for the physiology of probiotic bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Bacteria / immunology
  • Bacteria / metabolism*
  • Bacterial Adhesion*
  • Bacterial Proteins / immunology
  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism*
  • Bifidobacterium / immunology
  • Bifidobacterium / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Mucosa / metabolism
  • Intestines / cytology
  • Intestines / immunology*
  • Intestines / microbiology*
  • Lactobacillus / immunology
  • Lactobacillus / metabolism
  • Probiotics*
  • Signal Transduction
  • TCF Transcription Factors
  • Transcription Factor 7-Like 2 Protein

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • TCF Transcription Factors
  • TCF7L2 protein, human
  • Transcription Factor 7-Like 2 Protein