Implications of molecular contacts and signaling initiated by Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Neisseria gonorrhoeae employs diverse strategies with which to adhere to an d invade host cells during the course of infection. These primary encounter s provide means by which biologically active molecules can be efficiently t argeted to disrupt or exploit normal host cell metabolism and immune respon se elements, which in turn leads to the pathological responses characterist ic of gonococcal disease. Current studies have begun to elucidate in detail the molecular interactions orchestrating these processes and the signaling events that they provoke.