Biofilm-associated protein A (BapA) (BapA)

Biofilm-associated protein A (BapA) is a large, high-molecular-weight cell-surface adhesin found in several Gram-negative bacterial pathogens, most notably Salmonella enterica and Acinetobacter baumannii [6, 10, 28]. It serves as a critical structural component of the bacterial biofilm matrix, where it facilitates intercellular adhesion and the attachment of bacteria to both biotic surfaces, such as host epithelial cells, and abiotic surfaces, such as medical implants [1, 7, 22]. BapA is characterized by a highly repetitive domain structure and the ability to self-assemble into amyloid-like aggregates, which provide stability to the biofilm architecture and protect the bacterial community from environmental stressors and antimicrobial agents [4, 13, 22]. In clinical settings, BapA is a key virulence factor that contributes to the persistence of chronic infections and the development of multidrug resistance by shielding bacteria from the host immune system and antibiotics [2, 25, 28]. Consequently, BapA is considered a promising therapeutic target for anti-biofilm strategies, with research focusing on monoclonal antibodies and small-molecule inhibitors like JG-1 and M4 that can prevent biofilm formation or trigger the dispersal of established biofilms [1, 8, 30]. These interventions aim to sensitize pathogens to conventional antibiotics and facilitate their clearance by the host [22, 30].

Other names

Biofilm-associated proteinBapBapA proteinstm2689Large surface protein BapA

Inhibition of biofilm formation and maturation by disrupting intercellular adhesion and surface attachment [1, 8, 30].