pathogen entry

Several pathogens, bacteria, viruses and parasites, must enter mammalian cells for survival, replication and immune-system evasion.

These pathogens generally make use of existing cellular pathways that are designed for nutrient uptake, receptor downregulation and signalling.

Because most of these pathways end in lysosomes, an organelle that is capable of killing microorganisms, pathogens have developed means to avoid interactions with this lytic organelle.

References

 Gruenberg J, van der Goot FG. Mechanisms of pathogen entry through the endosomal compartments. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 2006 Jul;7(7):495-504. PMID: 16773132