Role Of Microbial Glycosylation In Host Cell Invasion

Gram-negative bacteria possess a number of cell surface glycans that can play variable roles in pathogenesis. This chapter will discuss the role of surface carbohydrate structures in the ability of several invasive Gram-negative pathogens to interact with host cells. The role of microbial glycosylation systems, including lipopolysaccharides, lipo-oligosaccharides, capsular polysaccharides and glycoproteins, in host cell invasion of bacteria will be compared. Discussion of glycosylation systems that are covered in other chapters will be minimized and emphasis will be on selected, representative invasive organisms, particularly Campylobacter jejuni.