The mechanisms and molecules involved in cytoadherence and pathogenesis of Trichomonas vaginalis

All urogenital mucosal pathogens must overcome host factors and responses in order to colonize the mucosa and establish infection. These include the extensive mucus layer nutrient-limiting conditions, antibody responses and the constant fluid flow of the vagina. In this article, John Alderete, Michael Lehker and Rossono Arroyo review the recent work describing the specificity by which the protozoan, Trichomonas vaginalis, adheres to the vaginal epithelial cells via four surface proteins. They discuss three distinct signals that may be received by the parasite upon recognition and binding to these cells, illustrating the type of adaptive responses evolved in the establishment and maintenance of infection.