Cytosolic lipid inclusions formed during infection by viral and bacterial pathogens

Lipid inclusions play an important role in several pathological processes. Intracellular bacterial pathogens, such as members of the Mycobacterium and Chlamydia species are able to trigger the formation of lipid-laden foamy macrophages. Lipid droplet accumulation in the host constitutes a reservoir used by the bacilli for long-term persistence. Viruses need lipid droplets as assembly platform. We present the current knowledge about structural, functional and regulatory aspects of lipid inclusions.