Invasion factors

Definition

Invasion factors are molecules produced by pathogens that facilitate their entry and spread within a host organism. These factors enable the pathogen to breach host barriers, evade immune responses, and establish infection.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Invasion factors include enzymes like hyaluronidase and collagenase that degrade host tissues.
2. Some bacteria use pili or fimbriae as invasion factors to adhere to and penetrate host cells.
3. Invasion factors can manipulate host cell signaling pathways to promote bacterial uptake.
4. Capsules and surface proteins are also invasion factors that help bacteria avoid phagocytosis.
5. The production of invasion factors is often regulated by quorum sensing in bacterial populations.

Review Questions

Related terms

Pathogenicity:

The ability of an organism to cause disease.

Virulence Factors:

Molecules produced by pathogens that contribute to the pathogenicity of the organism.

Quorum Sensing:

A mechanism by which bacteria regulate gene expression based on population density.