Enterobacteriaceae fimbrial adhesin

Enterobacteriaceae fimbrial adhesins are a family of surface proteins expressed by Gram-negative bacteria, notably Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Salmonella spp., that mediate adhesive attachment to host cells[1][2][3][4]. The canonical member is the FimH adhesin, which resides at the tip of type 1 fimbriae (pili). FimH recognizes and binds to terminal mannose residues on host glycoproteins, enabling bacterial colonization, especially in the urinary tract[1][2]. The adhesin operates through a shear-dependent, allosteric catch-bond mechanism in which binding affinity increases under mechanical force, helping bacteria resist wash-off in the urinary tract[1][4]. Type 1 fimbriae are essential for initial stages of infection, including adherence to uroepithelial cells, thus playing a central role in urinary tract infections[1][2]. Diversity among FimH variants and fimbrial shaft compositions modulates tissue specificity and binding strength, which has implications for bacterial pathogenesis and host specificity[1][2][6]. Note: - "Enterobacteriaceae fimbrial adhesins" is a plural/generic term referring to a class of adhesins, not a single molecular target. The most studied and therapeutically relevant is "FimH adhesin," and structured information should refer to this canonical form when possible[1][4][6]. - No standard abbreviation for the plural term; "FimH" is widely used for the gene/protein. - Not a classic drug target in existing therapeutics, but an active field of anti-adhesion drug and vaccine research targeting FimH or analogous adhesins[1]. Summary of structure/function: - FimH consists of a mannose-binding lectin (N-terminal) domain and a pilin (C-terminal) domain[1][4]. - Mutations (such as S62A) can increase affinity and alter shear dependency, impacting pathogenic potential[1]. - Different fimbriae exist within Enterobacteriaceae, each with distinct but sometimes overlapping receptor specificity[2][3][6]. Reason for is_incorrect:true: - "Enterobacteriaceae fimbrial adhesins" is not a singular standardized target name but rather a family/class; scientific and therapeutic discussions focus on the specific adhesin (usually FimH adhesin)[1][4]. - For structured datasets, use the specific singular canonical name "FimH adhesin" or analogous protein from the bacterial species of interest.

Other names

Type 1 fimbrial adhesinFimH adhesinFimbrial adhesinType 1 pilus adhesinMannose-sensitive adhesin

Inhibition of fimbrial adhesion; competitive inhibition of the mannose-binding site; prevention of bacterial attachment to host cells