Are bacterial exotoxins cytokine network regulators?

Trends Microbiol. 1997 Nov;5(11):454-8. doi: 10.1016/S0966-842X(97)01125-6.

Abstract

Bacterial exotoxins are generally thought to act by damaging cells or altering cell metabolism. However, recent work has established that many exotoxins modulate eukaryotic cell cytokine synthesis. Cytokine induction may play a significant role in exotoxin action, and therapeutic targeting of cytokines could be beneficial in infectious diseases involving bacterial exotoxins.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Diphosphate Ribose / metabolism
  • Bacteria / immunology
  • Bacteria / pathogenicity
  • Bacterial Infections / immunology
  • Bacterial Infections / therapy
  • Bacterial Toxins / classification
  • Bacterial Toxins / toxicity*
  • Cytokines / biosynthesis*
  • Exotoxins / classification
  • Exotoxins / toxicity*
  • Glycoside Hydrolases / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Cellular
  • Models, Biological

Substances

  • Bacterial Toxins
  • Cytokines
  • Exotoxins
  • Adenosine Diphosphate Ribose
  • Glycoside Hydrolases