Interplay between innate host defenses and UPEC within the bladder. The flow of urine in addition to a variety of host factors that can act as soluble receptor analogues for type 1 pili can impede contact between type 1-piliated UPEC and host superficial facet cells. If contact is established, FimH-receptor interactions can trigger the internalization of adherent bacteria into facet cells, in which UPEC can replicate to high levels. However, attachment and/or invasion can result in the activation of apoptotic pathways within facet cells, leading to the eventual exfoliation and clearance of infected host cells. The release of infected bladder cells in urine may facilitate the spread of UPEC strains in the environment. Initial interactions between type 1-piliated E. coli and urothelial cells can also result in the induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, leading to the influx of PMNs into the urothelium. To avoid clearance by exfoliation, UPEC is able to escape from dying facet cells and can go on to infect surrounding and underlying epithelial cells. These bacteria may eventually be able to enter a niche within the urothelium in which they can persist (at subclinical levels) undetected by immunosurveillance mechanisms.