Lessons from enteropathogenic Escherichia coli

Small molecules from intestinal cells of mammalian hosts that are infected with diarrheagenic Escherichia coli affect the infectious process and host-pathogen interactions. In developing countries, both typical and atypical enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) are common causes of acute watery diarrhea in young children. ATP, ADP, AMP, and, eventually, adenosine have different but potent effects on intestinal cells, including stimulating cramping as well as secretion of fluid and electrolytes. Uric acid, the purine at the end of the catabolic pathway, signals danger, triggering inflammation and activating immune responses. In generating a series of nucleotide breakdown products, EPEC provides a vivid example of a "scorched-earth" infectious process.