Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFr) is a transmembrane glycoprotein with an intrinsic tyrosine kinase. Ligand-binding to the EGFr activates cell signaling, phosphorylates protein kinases, and rearranges cytoskeletal proteins - responses that resemble those induced by microbial attachment to cell surfaces, a process known to be mediated by host cell receptors in a number of cases. This article critically reviews the possible role played by the EGFr in microbial colonization, and discusses how modulation of the EGF-EGFr axis may affect infection of the gastrointestinal tract.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Bacteria / metabolism
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Bacteria / pathogenicity
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Bacterial Infections / metabolism*
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Bacterial Infections / microbiology
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ErbB Receptors / metabolism*
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Eukaryota / metabolism
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Eukaryota / pathogenicity
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Gastrointestinal Diseases / metabolism*
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Gastrointestinal Diseases / microbiology
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Gastrointestinal Diseases / parasitology
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Gastrointestinal Diseases / virology
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Humans
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Protozoan Infections / metabolism*
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Protozoan Infections / parasitology
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Virus Diseases / metabolism*
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Virus Diseases / virology
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Viruses / metabolism
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Viruses / pathogenicity