Convergent mechanisms of epithelial cell structure manipulation by intestinal pathogens.

The epithelial layer that lines the digestive system serves as the primary barrier to infection by intestinal pathogens. While this layer has evolved complex molecular mechanisms to identify and respond to infection, pathogens have also evolved equally complex mechanisms to subvert this response and remodel the epithelium to their benefit. The structure of the intestinal epithelial cell is a common target of this remodeling effort. This review focuses specifically on the phenotypes and mechanisms of epithelial cell structure manipulation that have convergently evolved in human intestinal pathogens.