Virulence Factors
Virulence factors are specialized molecules or structures produced by pathogenic microorganisms that help them resist or evade host immune responses and cause disease. These factors may include toxins, enzymes, and other proteins that allow pathogens to attach to host surfaces and invade tissue, or to produce toxins that damage host cells or interfere with the body's defenses. Understanding virulence factors is important because they can be used to help diagnose and treat diseases, as well as to design vaccines and develop new drugs to combat infections.
← International Journal of Cell