Colonization factor antigen CS17 (CS17)

Colonization factor antigen CS17 is a surface-expressed fimbrial protein found on Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), which is a major cause of diarrheal disease globally (PubMed: 28807525). As a member of the Class 5 fimbriae family, CS17 functions as an adhesin that mediates the attachment of the bacteria to the human intestinal mucosa (UniProt: P53508). This adherence is a prerequisite for the subsequent delivery of heat-labile (LT) and heat-stable (ST) enterotoxins, which lead to the clinical symptoms of diarrhea (PubMed: 18641154). CS17 is structurally and immunologically related to other colonization factors like CFA/I and CS1, making it a significant target for broad-spectrum ETEC vaccines. Therapeutic strategies primarily focus on inducing mucosal antibodies, such as secretory IgA, to block the binding of CS17 to host receptors and prevent colonization (PubMed: 25636257). Current research involves incorporating CS17 into multivalent vaccine candidates to increase protective coverage against diverse ETEC strains. Because it is essential for the initial stage of infection, it remains a high-priority target for preventing traveler's diarrhea and infant mortality in endemic regions.

Other names

CS17 fimbriaeCS17 pilusCsbA proteinColonization factor antigen CS17

Inhibition of bacterial adhesion to host intestinal epithelium via antibody-mediated neutralization