Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Bacterial Infections

Mitochondria are critical in numerous cellular processes, including energy generation. Bacterial pathogens target host cell mitochondria through various mechanisms to disturb the host response and improve bacterial survival. We review recent advances in the understanding of how bacteria cause mitochondrial dysfunction through perturbations in mitochondrial cell-death pathways, energy production, mitochondrial dynamics, mitochondrial quality control, DNA repair, and the mitochondrial unfolded protein response. We also briefly highlight possible therapeutic approaches aimed at restoring the host mitochondrial function as a novel strategy to enhance the host response to bacterial infection.

Automated summary

Mitochondria play a critical role in cellular processes, including energy generation. Bacterial pathogens target host cell mitochondria to disrupt host response and promote bacterial survival. This review discusses recent advancements in understanding how bacteria cause mitochondrial dysfunction, including disruptions in cell-death pathways, energy production, mitochondrial dynamics, quality control, DNA repair, and the unfolded protein response. Potential therapeutic approaches aimed at restoring host mitochondrial function to enhance the response to bacterial infection are also briefly highlighted.