Host Response
Janis J. Weis and Linda K. Bockenstedt
from: Borrelia: Molecular Biology, Host Interaction and Pathogenesis (Edited by: D. Scott Samuels and Justin D. Radolf). Caister Academic Press, U.K. (2010)
Abstract
The goal of this chapter is to provide an understanding of the dynamics of host responses during infection with Borrelia burgdorferi. Pertinent literature will be reviewed with emphasis on studies that influenced our understanding of both the earliest responses of the mammalian host to infection by B. burgdorferi and those that are associated with chronic infection and disease. Discussion of host responses in this chapter has direct implications for the pathogenesis of Lyme disease and will refer to aspects of the Pathobiology chapter by Norris et al. Animal models, which are more thoroughly discussed in the chapter by Barthold et al., have been critical to our understanding of the mechanistic aspects of the host response to B. burgdorferi. This chapter will focus on the most widely studied animal model of Lyme borreliosis, the mouse model, with comparison made to human disease. The initial response to infection occurs before the spirochete and mammalian host have made direct contact, that is, during tick feeding and for this reason, reference also will be made to the Tick Interactions chapter by Pal and Fikrig. The host response is important to two features of Lyme borreliosis: the control of the spirochete and the development of tissue damage and clinical manifestations. Reference to the chapter by Radolf et al. on Lyme Disease in Humans will direct the reader to assessment of these responses in the context of the patient experience read more ...
