Carbohydrate-binding module family 62 (CBM62)

Carbohydrate-Binding Module family 62 (CBM62) is a class of protein domains found in bacterial glycoside hydrolases that exhibit high specificity for galactose-containing sugars, including alpha-galactose and beta-galactose. These modules are predominantly found in environmental bacteria like Clostridium thermocellum and significant human pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae. In the context of infection, CBM62 domains serve as critical virulence factors by mediating the adhesion of bacteria to host epithelial cells and facilitating the localized degradation of host glycans for nutrient acquisition. While no drugs targeting CBM62 are currently in clinical use, the family is an area of intense research for the development of anti-adhesive therapies and carbohydrate-based vaccines aimed at preventing pneumococcal diseases. By specifically recognizing host cell surface glycans, CBM62 offers a unique mechanism for disrupting the initial stages of bacterial colonization and pathogenesis without the use of traditional antibiotics.

Other names

Family 62 carbohydrate-binding moduleF62 CBMGalactose-binding moduleCtCBM62SpCBM62

Binding to host cell surface carbohydrates to facilitate bacterial attachment and enhance the efficiency of carbohydrate-active enzymes during infection.