Tissue tropism: Difference between revisions
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'''Tissue tropism''' refers to the cells and tissues of a host that support the growth of a particular | {{DISPLAYTITLE:Tissue Tropism}} | ||
== Tissue Tropism == | |||
[[File:HIV_gross_cycle_only.png|thumb|right|Diagram of the HIV life cycle, illustrating its tissue tropism.]] | |||
'''Tissue tropism''' refers to the cells and tissues of a host that support the growth of a particular virus or bacterium. This concept is crucial in understanding the pathogenesis of infectious diseases, as it determines the sites of infection and the clinical manifestations of the disease. | |||
== Mechanisms of Tissue Tropism == | == Mechanisms of Tissue Tropism == | ||
Tissue tropism is determined by several factors, including: | |||
=== Receptor Availability === | |||
Viruses and bacteria often require specific [[receptors]] on the surface of host cells to attach and gain entry. The presence or absence of these receptors in different tissues determines the tropism of the pathogen. For example, [[HIV]] targets [[CD4]] receptors found on [[T cells]], [[macrophages]], and [[dendritic cells]]. | |||
=== Cellular Environment === | |||
The intracellular environment of the host cell can influence the ability of a pathogen to replicate. Factors such as [[pH]], [[temperature]], and the presence of specific [[enzymes]] can affect tissue tropism. | |||
=== Immune Evasion === | |||
Some pathogens have evolved mechanisms to evade the host's [[immune system]], allowing them to persist in certain tissues. This can include the ability to inhibit [[antigen presentation]] or resist [[phagocytosis]]. | |||
== Examples of Tissue Tropism == | == Examples of Tissue Tropism == | ||
=== Viral Tropism === | |||
Viruses exhibit a wide range of tissue tropisms. For instance, [[influenza virus]] primarily infects the [[respiratory tract]], while [[hepatitis viruses]] target the [[liver]]. | |||
== | === Bacterial Tropism === | ||
Bacteria also show tissue specificity. For example, [[Helicobacter pylori]] colonizes the [[stomach]] lining, leading to [[gastritis]] and [[peptic ulcers]]. | |||
Understanding tissue tropism is | == Clinical Implications == | ||
Understanding tissue tropism is essential for developing targeted [[therapies]] and [[vaccines]]. It also aids in predicting the course of an infection and potential complications. For instance, the tissue tropism of HIV to immune cells leads to [[immunodeficiency]], which is the hallmark of [[AIDS]]. | |||
== | == Related Pages == | ||
* [[Pathogenesis]] | |||
* [[ | * [[Host-pathogen interaction]] | ||
* [[ | * [[Viral replication]] | ||
* [[ | |||
* [[Immune system]] | * [[Immune system]] | ||
[[Category:Virology]] | |||
[[Category:Microbiology]] | [[Category:Microbiology]] | ||
Latest revision as of 11:40, 15 February 2025
Tissue Tropism[edit]
Tissue tropism refers to the cells and tissues of a host that support the growth of a particular virus or bacterium. This concept is crucial in understanding the pathogenesis of infectious diseases, as it determines the sites of infection and the clinical manifestations of the disease.
Mechanisms of Tissue Tropism[edit]
Tissue tropism is determined by several factors, including:
Receptor Availability[edit]
Viruses and bacteria often require specific receptors on the surface of host cells to attach and gain entry. The presence or absence of these receptors in different tissues determines the tropism of the pathogen. For example, HIV targets CD4 receptors found on T cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells.
Cellular Environment[edit]
The intracellular environment of the host cell can influence the ability of a pathogen to replicate. Factors such as pH, temperature, and the presence of specific enzymes can affect tissue tropism.
Immune Evasion[edit]
Some pathogens have evolved mechanisms to evade the host's immune system, allowing them to persist in certain tissues. This can include the ability to inhibit antigen presentation or resist phagocytosis.
Examples of Tissue Tropism[edit]
Viral Tropism[edit]
Viruses exhibit a wide range of tissue tropisms. For instance, influenza virus primarily infects the respiratory tract, while hepatitis viruses target the liver.
Bacterial Tropism[edit]
Bacteria also show tissue specificity. For example, Helicobacter pylori colonizes the stomach lining, leading to gastritis and peptic ulcers.
Clinical Implications[edit]
Understanding tissue tropism is essential for developing targeted therapies and vaccines. It also aids in predicting the course of an infection and potential complications. For instance, the tissue tropism of HIV to immune cells leads to immunodeficiency, which is the hallmark of AIDS.
