Adherens Junctions and Pathogen Entry

摘要: Epithelia are highly organised structures protecting underlying tissues against microbial pathogens. Epithelial morphogenesis and maintenance is mediated by cell-cell adhesion molecules in junctional complexes, such as the adherens junctions. The tight organisation of these complexes their interactions with cellular factors render epithelia impermeable to potential invaders. Nevertheless, pathogens have developed strategies target, interact manipulate order disrupt or cross epithelial barriers cause infection. Bacteria, viruses parasites access molecular components either directly, often taking advantage physiological alterations polarity, indirectly, delivering into cells that destabilise integrity. Importantly, instrumental not only elucidate mechanisms invasion, but also unravel fundamental properties barriers, at tissular level.