What Role Do Mucosal Surfaces Play in Pathogen Entry?
Mucosal surfaces in the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urogenital tracts are major entry points for pathogens. These surfaces are lined with mucus that traps microorganisms and contains antimicrobial peptides. Despite this, some pathogens have developed mechanisms to bypass or degrade mucus. For example: - Adhesion: Bacteria like Helicobacter pylori use adhesins to attach to mucosal cells. - Mucus degradation: Enzymes such as mucinases break down mucus, facilitating pathogen movement. - Immune evasion: Some viruses, like influenza, can evade the immune system by rapidly mutating their surface proteins.
