A pivotal role for pneumolysin in the immunopathogenesis, treatment and prevention of pneumococcal disease

Abstract

The pneumococcus remains an extremely important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. While the micro-organism has a number of significant virulence mechanisms, many recent studies have focused on pneumolysin, which is recognised to be one of the most important virulence factors of the organism. The purpose of this manuscript is to review recent developments with respect to the role of pneumolysin in pneumococcal disease. It describes how the cytotoxic and other pro-inflammatory activities of this toxin contribute to disease pathogenesis and pathology, as well as various immunological and pharmacological strategies that may target these deleterious effects of the toxin.