The Role of the Flagellum in Campylobacter jejuni Colonization and Disease
Jason L. O'Loughlin and Michael E. Konkel
from: Campylobacter Ecology and Evolution (Edited by: Samuel K. Sheppard). Caister Academic Press, U.K. (2014)
Abstract
Campylobacter jejuni causes acute human enterocolitis via mechanisms requiring colonization of the host intestine, adherence to, and subsequent invasion of epithelial cells. The C. jejuni flagellum is responsible for the motility necessary for colonization and contributes to adherence and internalization by host cells. The flagellum also secretes non-flagellar (i.e., effector) proteins that enhance internalization by modifying host cell behavior. Additionally, the flagellum is the only type three secretion system (T3SS) encoded by C. jejuni and its structure is similar to the injectisome of a classical virulence-associated T3SS common to other enteric pathogens. Numerous proteins secreted by the flagellum have been identified and characterized, with several proteins delivered to the cytosol of host cells. Furthermore, the flagellum of C. jejuni contributes to biofilm formation. Taken together, flagellar function, including the secretion of effector proteins and the characterization of their effects on the host, is an important area of C. jejuni research read more ...
