Pathogen Trafficking and Subcellular Localization: A Complex Relationship

Marley Baoye

Short Communication, J Infect Dis Immune Ther Vol: 7 Issue: 1

Pathogen Trafficking and Subcellular Localization: A Complex Relationship

Marley Baoye^*

Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom

*Corresponding Author: Marley Baoye
Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
E-mail: maroye@exeter.ac.uk

Received date: 03 February, 2023, Manuscript No. JIDITH-23-93632;

Editor assigned date: 07 February, 2023, PreQC No. JIDITH-23-93632 (PQ);

Reviewed date: 21 February, 2023, QC No. JIDITH-23-93632;

Revised date: 28 February, 2023, Manuscript No. JIDITH-23-93632 (R);

Published date: 07 March, 2023, DOI: 10.4172/JIDITH.1000154

Citation: Baoye M (2023) Pathogen Trafficking and Subcellular Localization: A Complex Relationship. J Infect Dis Immune Ther 7:1.

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Description

Pathogens have evolved a variety of strategies to successfully invade and infect host cells. One such strategy is the ability to navigate the complex network of intracellular trafficking pathways to reach their desired subcellular location. Understanding the mechanisms behind pathogen trafficking and subcellular localization is essential for developing effective therapeutic strategies.

Intracellular trafficking pathways

Intracellular trafficking pathways are essential for the movement of molecules and organelles within the cell.These pathways can be used by pathogens to enter cells and get to the desired subcellular location. The two main intracellular trafficking pathways are the endocytic and secretory pathways. The endocytic pathway involves the uptake of extracellular material into the cell via endocytosis. The secretory pathway involves the movement of molecules and organelles from the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) to the Golgi apparatus, and then to their final destination.

Bacterial pathogens

Bacterial pathogens use a variety of mechanisms to traffic within host cells. Some bacteria, such as Salmonella and Listeria, use the host cell's actin cytoskeleton to move within the cell. Salmonella, for example, induces the formation of membrane ruffles and triggers the polymerization of actin filaments to form a structure called the Salmonella-Containing Vacuole (SCV) [1]. Listeria, on the other hand, uses a protein called ActA to promote actin polymerization and facilitate its movement within the host cell [2].

Other bacteria, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Legionella pneumophila, use the endocytic pathway to enter host cells [3]. Once inside, these bacteria manipulate the endocytic pathway to provide a replicative niche within the host cell. For example, Legionella pneumophila uses a type IV secretion system to deliver bacterial effectors into the host cell that promote the formation of a specialized compartment called the Legionella-Containing Vacuole (LCV) [4].

Viral pathogens

Viral pathogens also use a variety of mechanisms to traffic within host cells. Many viruses, such as influenza virus and herpes simplex virus, enter host cells via endocytosis [5]. Once inside, these viruses use the host cell's intracellular trafficking pathways to reach their final destination. For example, influenza virus travels from early endosomes to late endosomes, and then to the Trans-Golgi Network (TGN) [6].

Other viruses, such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Human Papillomavirus (HPV), use the secretory pathway to exit the host cell [7]. HIV, for example, is synthesized in the cytoplasm of the infected cell and then transported to the plasma membrane via the secretory pathway [8]. HPV, on the other hand, exits the host cell via the exocytic pathway, which involves the fusion of HPV-containing vesicles with the plasma membrane [9].

Implications for therapeutics

Understanding the mechanisms behind pathogen trafficking and subcellular localization is essential for developing effective therapeutic strategies. Targeting the intracellular trafficking pathways that pathogens use to enter and exit host cells could potentially block infection. For example, inhibitors of endosomal acidification have been shown to block influenza virus replication [10]. Similarly, inhibitors of the secretory pathway have been shown to block HIV particle release [11].

Advances in imaging and microscopy techniques have enabled researchers to study the subcellular localization of pathogens in realtime. For example, live-cell imaging studies have revealed that Salmonella actively moves within host cells by pushing against the cytoskeleton [12]. Similarly, time-lapse imaging of Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection has revealed that HCMV particles travel along microtubules to reach the nucleus [13].

Conclusion

Pathogens have evolved a variety of strategies to navigate the complex network of intracellular trafficking pathways and reach their desired subcellular location. Bacterial and viral pathogens use different mechanisms to enter host cells and move within them. Understanding these mechanisms provides valuable insights into the pathogenesis of infectious diseases and may guide the development of novel therapeutics.