The Jeremiah Metzger Lecture. Microbial defenses against killing by phagocytes.

Phagocytes are a key feature of defense against microorganisms. Phagocyte function is a complex system with many intricately involved components. Each of these components provides microorganisms with a target for countermeasures against phagocytes. We have discussed examples and purported mechanisms for microbial defenses against the steps involved in killing by phagocytes. Understanding the interplay of these host and pathogen factors leads to a better understanding of both normal host defenses and pathogenesis of disease.