Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli colonization factor CS19 (CS19)

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli colonization factor CS19 (CS19) is a fimbrial adhesin protein located on the surface of certain Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) strains. ETEC is a primary cause of traveler's diarrhea and a major contributor to infant mortality in developing countries due to severe dehydration. CS19 belongs to the Class 5 fimbriae, which are assembled via the chaperone-usher pathway and are structurally similar to other major colonization factors like CFA/I and CS17 (PMID: 15659683). The primary function of CS19 is to facilitate the adherence of ETEC to the intestinal mucosa of the host, which is a prerequisite for the delivery of enterotoxins that cause fluid secretion and diarrhea (PMID: 29037462). As an essential virulence factor, CS19 is a key target for the development of oral inactivated and live-attenuated vaccines. These vaccines aim to elicit a local mucosal immune response, specifically secretory IgA, to block bacterial colonization and provide protective immunity against infection.

Other names

CS19 fimbriaeColonization surface antigen 19Csd pilusETEC CS19Colonization factor CS19

Prevention of bacterial attachment to the intestinal mucosa by eliciting protective mucosal IgA antibodies or via competitive binding inhibition.