Immune evasion and persistence in enteric bacterial pathogens

The major function of the mammalian immune system is to prevent and control infections caused by enteropathogens that collectively have altered human destiny. In fact, as the gastrointestinal tissues are the major interface of mammals with the environment, up to 70% of the human immune system is dedicated to patrolling them The defenses are multi-tiered and include the endogenous microflora that mediate colonization resistance as well as physical barriers intended to compartmentalize infections. The gastrointestinal tract and associated lymphoid tissue are also protected by sophisticated interleaved arrays of active innate and adaptive immune defenses. Remarkably, some bacterial enteropathogens have acquired an arsenal of virulence factors with which they neutralize all these formidable barriers to infection, causing disease ranging from mild self-limiting gastroenteritis to in some cases devastating human disease.

Automated summary

The mammalian immune system plays a major role in preventing and controlling infections caused by enteropathogens. The gastrointestinal tissues serve as the main interface with the environment, and about 70% of the human immune system is dedicated to patrolling them. The defenses include microflora and physical barriers, as well as innate and adaptive immune mechanisms. However, some bacterial enteropathogens have developed virulence factors to overcome these defenses, leading to mild to severe human diseases.