The Role of Lipids in Host–Pathogen Interactions

Abstract

Innate immunity relies on the effective recognition and elimi-nation of pathogenic microorganisms. This entails sequestra-tion of pathogens into phagosomes that promptly acquire microbicidal and degradative properties. This complex series of events, which involve cytoskeletal reorganization, membrane remodeling and the activation of multiple enzymes, is orchestrated by lipid signaling. To overcome this immune response, intracellular pathogens acquired mechanisms to subvert phosphoinositide-mediated signaling and use host lipids, notably cholesterol, as nutrients. We present brief over-views of the role of phosphoinositides in phagosome formation and maturation as well as of cholesterol handling by host cells, and selected Salmonella, Shigella, Chlamydia and Myco-bacterium tuberculosis to exemplify the mechanisms whereby intracellular pathogens co-opt lipid metabolism in host cells.