Colonization factor surface antigen 2 (CS2) (CS2)

Colonization factor surface antigen 2 (CS2) is a critical fimbrial adhesin expressed by Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), a leading cause of bacterial diarrhea worldwide [1]. It belongs to the Colonization Factor Antigen II (CFA/II) group, which also includes CS1 and CS3, and is responsible for the initial attachment of the pathogen to the human small intestinal epithelium [2]. This adherence is a prerequisite for the delivery of heat-labile (LT) and heat-stable (ST) enterotoxins that trigger fluid secretion and secretory diarrhea [3]. Because of its essential role in pathogenesis and its high prevalence in clinical isolates, CS2 is a major component in several candidate ETEC vaccines, such as the oral inactivated whole-cell vaccine ETVAX [4]. Therapeutic strategies focus on eliciting a robust mucosal immune response, specifically secretory IgA, to neutralize the adhesin and prevent bacterial colonization [5].

Other names

CFA/II component CS2CS2 fimbriaeCS2 piliColonization factor antigen II component 2

Induction of mucosal IgA antibodies that block bacterial adhesion to intestinal epithelial cells, preventing colonization and subsequent toxin delivery.