Klebsiella pneumoniae cell-surface receptors (K. pneumoniae surface receptors)

Klebsiella pneumoniae cell-surface receptors comprise a diverse group of structural and functional molecules, including the capsular polysaccharide (CPS), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), outer membrane proteins (OMPs), and fimbriae. The CPS, or K-antigen, is the primary virulence factor, forming a thick layer that shields the bacterium from phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. LPS, or O-antigen, serves as a major structural component and a potent endotoxin that triggers host inflammatory responses via Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). OMPs such as OmpK35 and OmpK36 function as porins for nutrient and antibiotic entry, while fimbriae like MrkA facilitate adhesion to host tissues and biofilm formation. These surface structures are critical therapeutic targets; they serve as the primary docking sites for bacteriophages and are the focus of monoclonal antibody and vaccine development aimed at treating multidrug-resistant (MDR) and hypervirulent (hvKp) strains. Targeting these receptors is essential for overcoming the high mortality rates associated with carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) infections.

Other names

Klebsiella pneumoniae surface antigensK. pneumoniae cell wall componentsK. pneumoniae phage receptorsK. pneumoniae surface proteinsK. pneumoniae virulence factors

Drugs and biologicals targeting these receptors work through several mechanisms: polymyxins bind to lipopolysaccharides (LPS) to disrupt outer membrane integrity; monoclonal antibodies bind to capsular polysaccharides (CPS) or O-antigens to promote opsonophagocytic killing by host neutrophils; bacteriophages utilize these surface structures as entry receptors to initiate lytic infection; and siderophore-conjugated antibiotics like cefiderocol exploit iron-uptake receptors to bypass porin-mediated resistance.