Host cell targets of bacterial virulence effectors

The subversion of host cell processes by microbial pathogens is an intrinsic part of the host-pathogen interaction. Many bacterial pathogens have the ability to transport virulence proteins into host cells via a specialized protein secretion system. By examining the cell biology of the host response to infection, bacterial pathogens may be used as a tool to understand the role and importance of particular of host cell processes to cell and tissue function.