Calling all hosts: Bacterial communication in situ.

ABSTRACT: Bacteria are cosmopolitan organisms that in recent years have demonstrated many roles in maintaining host equilibrium. In this review, we discuss three roles bacteria can occupy in a host: pathogenic, symbiotic, and transient, with a specific focus on how bacterial small molecules contribute to homeostasis or dysbiosis. First, we will dissect how small molecules produced by pathogenic bacteria can be used as a source for communication during colonization and as protection against host immune responses. The ability to achieve a higher level of organization through small molecule communication gives pathogenic bacteria an opportunity for increased virulence and fitness. Conversely, in symbiotic relationships with hosts, small molecules are used in the initial acquisition, colonization, and m

SUBMITTER: Cleary JL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5609483 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature