Bacterial surface receptors on antimicrobial-resistant wound pathogens

Bacterial surface receptors on antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) wound pathogens represent a broad class of molecules, primarily including Microbial Surface Components Recognizing Adhesive Matrix Molecules (MSCRAMMs), that are essential for the establishment of infection in compromised skin tissues [PMID: 11204594]. These receptors, such as Clumping factor A (ClfA) and Fibronectin-binding proteins (FnBPs), facilitate the attachment of pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa to host extracellular matrix components, which is a critical first step in biofilm formation [PMID: 24906334]. Biofilms significantly contribute to the persistence of chronic wounds by shielding bacteria from both the host immune response and systemic antibiotics. Because these receptors are often surface-exposed and vital for virulence but not necessarily for basic survival, they are considered prime targets for anti-virulence therapies [PMID: 20539302]. Such therapies, including monoclonal antibodies and small-molecule adhesion inhibitors, aim to prevent infection or enhance clearance without driving the same level of resistance seen with traditional bactericidal agents [PMID: 30245101].

Other names

Bacterial adhesins [PMID: 24906334]Microbial Surface Components Recognizing Adhesive Matrix Molecules (MSCRAMMs) [PMID: 15030469]Cell wall-anchored (CWA) proteins [PMID: 24906334]Surface-exposed virulence factors [PMID: 20539302]

The primary mechanism of action for agents targeting these receptors is the competitive or non-competitive inhibition of bacterial attachment to host ligands, such as fibrinogen, fibronectin, and collagen, thereby preventing the colonization of the wound bed and the subsequent formation of protective biofilms [PMID: 24906334, PMID: 20539302]. Additionally, monoclonal antibodies targeting these surface receptors can facilitate opsonophagocytosis by host immune cells, leading to enhanced clearance of the pathogen [PMID: 16461448].