Exploitation of host factors for efficient infection by Shigella

Shigellosis is a worldwide endemic ulcerating disease of the large intestin e caused by enteroinvasive bacteria. Shigella takes the route via M-cells a nd macrophages to access the basolateral pole of enterocytes. After invasio n of and cell-to-cell spread within the epithelial cell layer, the bacteriu m multiplies within the cytoplasm of enterocytes. Induced by a limited numb er of bacterial effector proteins, Shigella makes use of established signal ing pathways of the host cell to achieve internalization, transcytosis, apo ptosis or cell-to-cell spread. This review addresses the host factors requi red for efficient infection focusing on Shigella-induced cytoskeletal rearr angements and associated signaling.