Host cell-pathogen interface: molecular mechanisms and genetics.

Host factors determining the host-pathogen interaction are crucial for the reaction pattern leading to the threat of nosocomial infections. A soluble protein with the ability to recognize a variety of microorganisms is LPS binding protein (LBP). The recently identified family of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) represents the major group of cellular signaling receptors for pathogens. The discovery of genetic variations of these proteins caused by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) has led to first studies aimed at elucidating a potential link between genomic variation of the host and susceptibility to infections. The current state of these analyses is summarized here.