Pathogens employ various strategies to avoid phagolysosomal fusion:
1. Inhibition of Phagosome Maturation: Some pathogens produce proteins that interfere with the normal maturation of the phagosome, preventing its fusion with lysosomes. 2. Modification of Phagosome Membrane: Pathogens can alter the phagosomal membrane, making it less recognizable to lysosomes. 3. Escape from Phagosome: Certain pathogens can escape from the phagosome into the cytoplasm before fusion occurs. 4. Manipulation of Host Signaling Pathways: Some pathogens manipulate host cell signaling pathways to delay or inhibit phagolysosomal fusion.
