The Arsenal of <i>Leptospira</i> Species against Oxidants
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are byproducts of oxygen metabolism produced by virtually all organisms living in an oxic environment. ROS are also produced by phagocytic cells in response to microorganism invasion. These highly reactive molecules can damage cellular constituents (proteins, DNA, and l...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Book |
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MDPI AG,
2023-06-01T00:00:00Z.
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| Summary: | Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are byproducts of oxygen metabolism produced by virtually all organisms living in an oxic environment. ROS are also produced by phagocytic cells in response to microorganism invasion. These highly reactive molecules can damage cellular constituents (proteins, DNA, and lipids) and exhibit antimicrobial activities when present in sufficient amount. Consequently, microorganisms have evolved defense mechanisms to counteract ROS-induced oxidative damage. <i>Leptospira</i> are diderm bacteria form the <i>Spirochaetes</i> phylum. This genus is diverse, encompassing both free-living non-pathogenic bacteria as well as pathogenic species responsible for leptospirosis, a widespread zoonotic disease. All leptospires are exposed to ROS in the environment, but only pathogenic species are well-equipped to sustain the oxidative stress encountered inside their hosts during infection. Importantly, this ability plays a pivotal role in <i>Leptospira</i> virulence. In this review, we describe the ROS encountered by <i>Leptospira</i> in their different ecological niches and outline the repertoire of defense mechanisms identified so far in these bacteria to scavenge deadly ROS. We also review the mechanisms controlling the expression of these antioxidants systems and recent advances in understanding the contribution of Peroxide Stress Regulators in <i>Leptospira</i> adaptation to oxidative stress. |
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| Item Description: | 10.3390/antiox12061273 2076-3921 |