Streptococcus pyogenes and human neutrophils:: a paradigm for evasion of innate host defense by bacterial pathogens

Human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) are the first line of defense against invading microorganisms. Although most invading bacteria are eliminated by PMNs, some have evolved complex strategies to prevent normal PMN function. This review focuses on the interaction of human PMNs with Streptococcus pyogenes as a paradigm for successful pathogen evasion mechanisms. (c) 2004 Published by Elsevier SAS.