Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli colonization factor antigen I fimbriae tip adhesin (CfaE) (CfaE)

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli colonization factor antigen I fimbriae tip adhesin (CfaE) is the minor adhesive subunit located at the tip of CFA/I fimbriae, which are filamentous structures on the surface of ETEC, a major cause of travelers’ diarrhea and childhood diarrheal disease. CfaE is responsible for initiating the binding of ETEC to the small intestinal mucosa by recognizing and binding to specific receptors on host epithelial cells[2][3][4]. CfaE is crucial for the assembly of fimbriae through its interaction with the chaperone CfaA and the usher protein CfaC, and also operates under various biomechanical forces in vivo, enabling robust attachment during peristalsis and fluid flow[1][2]. The adhesive properties and essentiality of CfaE for ETEC colonization make it a lead target for anti-adhesion therapies and vaccine development[1][2][3]. No small molecule drugs are currently approved to inhibit CfaE, but its well-conserved structure makes it a promising candidate for interventions aiming to prevent ETEC-mediated infection.

Other names

CFA/I fimbriae tip adhesinColonization factor antigen I tip adhesinCfaE protein

Drugs or antibodies aiming to block CfaE function would inhibit the adhesion of ETEC to intestinal epithelial cells, preventing colonization and subsequent disease (anti-adhesive)[1].