Microbe–host cell adhesion factor

Microbe–host cell adhesion factors are a broad class of molecules that facilitate the initial attachment of microorganisms to host cells, a prerequisite for colonization and infection [1, 3]. This category encompasses microbial adhesins—such as pili, fimbriae, and surface proteins like MSCRAMMs—and their corresponding host receptors, which include integrins, cadherins, and various glycoconjugates [4, 10]. These interactions are critical for the pathogenesis of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, as they allow pathogens to resist mechanical clearance and initiate invasion or toxin delivery [5, 12]. Therapeutic strategies targeting these factors, known as anti-adhesion therapies, aim to block these interactions using small molecules, glycomimetics, or monoclonal antibodies [1, 8]. Examples of drugs in this space include FimH inhibitors like sibofimloc and viral entry inhibitors like maraviroc [1, 9]. By preventing the establishment of infection rather than killing the pathogen, these therapies may offer a lower risk of resistance compared to traditional antibiotics [5, 8].

Other names

Microbial adhesinsPathogen-host adhesion factorsAdhesion moleculesMSCRAMMsMicrobial Surface Components Recognizing Adhesive Matrix Molecules

Competitive inhibition of microbial attachment to host cell receptors or blocking of the microbial adhesin binding site.