Department of Molecular Genetics, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, the Netherlands.
Mol Microbiol. 2013 Jun;88(6):1047-57. doi: 10.1111/mmi.12256. Epub 2013 May 27.
Recent studies on pathogenic streptococci have revealed that zinc is a pivotal metal ion in their interaction with the host. In these streptococci, systems exist that ensure optimal use of zinc from the surrounding milieu, as well as export of zinc when concentrations exceed tolerance levels. Zinc uptake is of crucial importance for the virulence of streptococci, whereas elevated zinc levels induced in the host during infection are detrimental for these pathogens. The expression or activity of a number of putative surface proteins and virulence factors depends on zinc. Moreover, several metal sensor proteins that mediate the transcriptional response to zinc in streptococci have recently been characterized. A number of components of zinc- and other metal ion-acquisition systems are suitable as protective antigens and may be future targets for the development of new vaccines, thus providing opportunities for the development of novel therapies. This review will discuss the recent advancements in the important field of metal ion biology in relation to the virulence of pathogenic streptococci, with a central focus on zinc homeostasis in Streptococcus pneumoniae.
最近对致病性链球菌的研究表明，锌是其与宿主相互作用的关键金属离子。在这些链球菌中，存在着确保从周围环境中最佳利用锌的系统，以及当浓度超过耐受水平时锌的输出系统。锌的摄取对链球菌的毒力至关重要，而感染过程中宿主中诱导的锌水平升高则对这些病原体有害。许多假定的表面蛋白和毒力因子的表达或活性依赖于锌。此外，最近已经描述了几种介导链球菌对锌的转录反应的金属传感器蛋白。锌和其他金属离子获取系统的许多组件适合作为保护性抗原，并且可能是开发新疫苗的未来目标，从而为开发新的治疗方法提供了机会。本综述将讨论金属离子生物学这一重要领域的最新进展与致病性链球菌的毒力之间的关系，重点是肺炎链球菌中的锌稳态。
