Beyond a single species: Mapping virulence traits across the redefined Fusobacterium nucleatum complex
Virulence, vol. 17, pp. 2629110
Abstract
Fusobacterium nucleatum was long regarded as a single species and later subdivided into four subspecies (nucleatum, polymorphum, animalis, vincentii/fusiforme). In 2022, these subspecies were validated as separate species and further members of the F. nucleatum complex have been proposed (F. watanabei, F. paranimalis sp. nov.). Given the increasing evidence linking F. nucleatum to various diseases, identifying (sub-)species-specific virulence factors has become essential. Infection in mammalian hosts depends on virulence factors that can be surface-exposed, released into the extracellular environment, or injected directly into host cells. This narrative review aims to address the different pathogenic potentials of each former subspecies. These differences range from adhesin diversity and metabolic adaptations, the repertoire of ABC transporters, lyases and type IV conjugative pili to the capability to invade tissues, evade the immune system and form biofilms and outer membrane vesicles.
Authors 8
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Marietta Wolf corresponding
Affiliation as printed
University of Freiburg
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Affiliation as printed
University of Freiburg
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Affiliation as printed
University of Freiburg
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Affiliation as printed
University of Freiburg
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Affiliation as printed
University of Freiburg
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Sama Rezasoltani Aachen
Affiliation as printed
Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) University Hospital
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Affiliation as printed
University of Freiburg
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Georg Conrads Aachen
Affiliation as printed
Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) University Hospital
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