Listeriolysin O: a key protein ofListeria monocytogeneswith multiple functions

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Abstract
Cholesterol-dependent cytolysins (CDCs) are produced by a large number of pathogenic Gram-positive bacteria. Most of these single-chain proteins are secreted in the extracellular medium. Among the species producing CDCs, only two species belonging to the genus Listeria ( Listeria monocytogenes and Listeria ivanovii ) are able to multiply intracellularly and release their toxins in the phagosomal compartment of the infected host cell. This review provides an updated overview on the importance of listeriolysin O (LLO) in the pathogenicity of L. monocytogenes , focusing mainly on two aspects: (1) the structure–function relationship of LLO and (2) its role in intra- and extracellular signalling. We first examine the specific sequence determinants, or protein domains, that make this cytolysin so well adapted to the intracellular lifestyle of L. monocytogenes . The roles that LLO has in cellular signalling events in the context of relations to pathogenesis are also discussed.

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