Pathogenic bacteria adhering to the human vascular wall triggers vascular damage during meningococcal sepsis

Researchers have shown how adhesion of Neisseria meningitidis to human microvessels in a humanized mouse model leads to the characteristic cutaneous lesions of meningococcal sepsis. This work is an important demonstration of the direct role of adhesion, specifically Type IV pili mediated adhesion, plays in the development of the disease.