Microbial adhesin

Microbial adhesins are specialized surface proteins or appendages, such as fimbriae and pili, that pathogens use to attach to host cells or the extracellular matrix (Asadi et al., 2019). This attachment is the crucial first step in the colonization and infection process, allowing the microbe to resist mechanical clearance by host fluids like urine or mucus (Krachler & Orth, 2013). Adhesins typically function by binding to specific carbohydrate or protein ligands on the host surface with high affinity and specificity. Because they are essential for virulence but not for the survival of the microbe outside the host, they are attractive targets for anti-adhesion therapies (Ofek et al., 2003). These therapies aim to block the binding site of the adhesin using small molecule inhibitors, such as mannosides, or antibodies, thereby preventing the initiation of disease. This approach is particularly valuable in the era of multi-drug resistance, as it exerts less selective pressure for the development of resistance compared to traditional bactericidal antibiotics (Foster et al., 2014). While promising, challenges include the high diversity of adhesins across different strains and the need to maintain the integrity of the host's beneficial commensal flora.

Other names

Bacterial adhesinViral attachment proteinFungal adhesinAdhesion proteinMSCRAMM (Microbial Surface Components Recognizing Adhesive Matrix Molecules)

Competitive inhibition of microbial attachment to host cell receptors or extracellular matrix components, preventing colonization and biofilm formation (Krachler & Orth, 2013).