Colonization factor antigen I subunit E (CfaE) (CfaE)

Colonization factor antigen I subunit E (CfaE) is the minor tip adhesin subunit of the CFA/I fimbriae in Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC). It serves as the primary mediator for bacterial attachment to the human intestinal epithelium by binding to sialic acid-containing glycoconjugates (UniProt P02971). This adhesion is a mandatory first step for ETEC colonization and the subsequent delivery of enterotoxins that cause secretory diarrhea (PubMed: 25691593). Because of its essential role in pathogenesis and its relative conservation, CfaE is a high-priority target for vaccines and passive immunization strategies. Current research focuses on donor-strand complemented (dsc) CfaE constructs for oral vaccines and neutralizing monoclonal antibodies like 64G that target the adhesin's binding pocket (PubMed: 28416552). Successfully inhibiting CfaE function can prevent the establishment of infection, addressing a major cause of traveler's diarrhea and infant mortality in developing nations.

Other names

CfaE tip adhesinCFA/I subunit EMinor fimbrial subunit CfaEColonization factor antigen I subunit E

Inhibition of bacterial attachment to host intestinal cells by blocking the CfaE binding pocket or inducing protective mucosal antibodies.