Sialic acid utilization by bacterial pathogens

Emmanuele Severi, Derek W. Hood, Gavin H. Thomas

Research output: Contribution to journalLiterature reviewpeer-review

Abstract

Sialic acid occupies the terminal position within glycan molecules on the surfaces of many vertebrate cells, where it functions in diverse cellular processes such as intercellular adhesion and cell signalling. Pathogenic bacteria have evolved to use this molecule beneficially in at least two different ways: they can coat themselves in sialic acid, providing resistance to components of the host's innate immune response, or they can use it as a nutrient. Sialic acid itself is either synthesized de novo by these bacteria or scavenged directly from the host. In this mini-review we will summarize recent findings relating to sialic acid transport, modification of sialic acid by O-acetylation, and the mechanisms of sialic acid-mediated complement resistance.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2817-2822
Number of pages6
JournalMicrobiology
Volume153
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2007

Keywords

  • ESCHERICHIA-COLI K-12
  • HAEMOPHILUS-INFLUENZAE
  • CAMPYLOBACTER-JEJUNI
  • O-ACETYLTRANSFERASE
  • CAPSULAR POLYSACCHARIDE
  • SERUM RESISTANCE
  • VIRULENCE FACTOR
  • LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE
  • IDENTIFICATION
  • NEISSERIA

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