RT Journal Article SR Electronic(1) A1 Gordon, DouganYR 1989 T1 Molecular Characterization of Bacterial Virulence Factors and the Consequences for Vaccine Design The 1988 Fleming Lecture JF Microbiology, VO 135 IS 6 SP 1397 OP 1406 DO https://doi.org/10.1099/00221287-135-6-1397 PB Microbiology Society, SN 1465-2080, AB The pathogenesis of bacterial infections involves a complex series of interactions between the pathogenic micro-organisms and the host. The outcome of an infection will depend on a combination of factors including the virulence of the bacterial pathogen, the immune status of the host and the innate resistance of the host. In recent years we have learned to apply molecular techniques to the study of bacterial virulence. Molecular approaches allow us to identify and characterize at a structural, biochemical and immunological level particular bacterial virulence factors. The information we gain from such studies can be used together with in vivo and in vitro models to investigate the immune response to individual bacterial antigens. In the future these studies may lead to the development of novel immunoprophylactic, chemotherapeutic and diagnostic reagents. In this lecture I will present a personalized review of recent molecular studies on bacterial pathogens with particular reference to the potential for vaccine development., UL https://www.microbiologyresearch.org/content/journal/micro/10.1099/00221287-135-6-1397