Plasminogen activation by invasive human pathogens.

In this review the interaction between invasive human pathogens expressing plasmin(ogen) receptors and/or producing plasminogen activators with the human plasmin(ogen) system is described. Evidence is presented for multiple mechanisms by which human pathogens can acquire a surface bound form of plasmin that cannot be regulated by host serpins. The potential importance of these pathways in providing the organisms with the ability to cross tissue barriers is discussed.