When oxygen runs short: the microenvironment drives host-pathogen interactions

Inga Dietz; Stefan Jerchel; Márta Szaszák; Kensuke Shima; Jan Rupp

doi:10.1016/j.micinf.2011.11.003

When oxygen runs short: the microenvironment drives host-pathogen interactions

Microbes Infect. 2012 Apr;14(4):311-6. doi: 10.1016/j.micinf.2011.11.003. Epub 2011 Nov 20.

Authors

Inga Dietz¹, Stefan Jerchel, Márta Szaszák, Kensuke Shima, Jan Rupp

Affiliation

¹ Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck, Germany.

PMID: 22133978
DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2011.11.003

Abstract

Pathogens that colonize or infect the human body have to face varying oxygen concentrations within different organs. Inflammation itself promotes oxygen consumption within affected tissues and creates a low oxygen environment. As a consequence, pathogens and the host immune system have to adapt to rapid changes in oxygen availability. Here we summarize recent findings on the adaptation of pathogens, host defense mechanisms and treatment strategies against intracellular pathogens in a low oxygen environment.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

Adaptive Immunity
Anti-Infective Agents / therapeutic use
Bacterial Infections / drug therapy
Cell Hypoxia
Cellular Microenvironment*
Host-Pathogen Interactions*
Humans
Immunity, Innate
Oxygen Consumption*

Substances

Anti-Infective Agents