Microbial lectome versus host glycolipidome: How pathogens exploit glycosphingolipids to invade, dupe or kill.

ABSTRACT: Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) are ubiquitous components of the cell membranes, found across several kingdoms of life, from bacteria to mammals, including humans. GSLs are a subclass of major glycolipids occurring in animal lipid membranes in clusters named "lipid rafts." The most crucial functions of GSLs include signal transduction and regulation as well as participation in cell proliferation. Despite the mainstream view that pathogens rely on protein-protein interactions to survive and thrive in their hosts, many also target the host lipids. In particular, multiple pathogens produce adhesion molecules or toxins that bind GSLs. Attachment of pathogens to cell surface receptors is the initial step in infections. Many mammalian pathogens have evolved to recognize GSL-derived receptors. Animal g

SUBMITTER: Bereznicka A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9437549 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature