The Genetics and Immunology of Host Resistance to Legionella Infection
Russell Vance and Thomas R. Hawn
from: Legionella: Molecular Microbiology (Edited by: Klaus Heuner and Michele Swanson). Caister Academic Press, U.K. (2008)
Abstract
Significant progress has been made toward elucidating the critical genetic and immunological components of the host immune response to Legionella pneumophila. In this chapter, we review the host immune response to Legionella, including the roles of the innate immune response, B cells, T cells, cytokines and chemokines. We examine the use of in vitro studies of macrophage infection, in vivo animal studies, and more recent human genetic studies that have all contributed to our understanding of the immune response to Legionella. We also highlight the distinct biological properties of Legionella that have stimulated discoveries of broad relevance to our understanding of host-pathogen interactions. Taken together, numerous genetic and immunological studies have revealed that Legionella is a fascinating model for understanding how the host interprets a large number of molecular and cellular cues to provide host defense read more ...
