Virulence factors on the surface of Gram-positive pathogens and mechanisms of host-pathogen recognition

Gram-positive pathogens encode various virulence factors, which are required for their growth and pathogenesis. These virulence factors not only participate in cell division and proliferation, but also mediate adhesion to and invasion of the host. Owing to investigations on the two important human pathogens Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus in the last decade, we have obtained some meaningful insights into the virulence factors on the bacterial surface. Here, we focus on the structures and functions of several major virulence factors in order to elucidate the molecular mechanism by which they contribute to pathogen-host recognition.