Microbial extracellular matrix and cell wall components

Microbial extracellular matrix and cell wall components represent a broad class of structural and functional molecules essential for the survival and virulence of bacteria and fungi. In bacteria, the cell wall is primarily composed of peptidoglycan, which provides osmotic stability, while Gram-negative species also possess an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides (LPS) (Sarkar et al., 2021, Molecules). Fungal cell walls are characterized by a complex network of chitin, glucans, and mannoproteins that maintain cell shape and protect against environmental stress (Garcia-Rubio et al., 2020, J. Fungi). Beyond individual cells, many microbes produce an extracellular matrix (ECM) composed of polysaccharides, proteins, and extracellular DNA, forming biofilms that enhance resistance to antibiotics and host immune responses (Flemming et al., 2016, Nature Reviews Microbiology). These components are critical therapeutic targets; for example, glycopeptides like vancomycin bind to peptidoglycan precursors to inhibit cell wall assembly, and echinocandins disrupt fungal wall integrity by inhibiting beta-glucan synthesis (Kohanski et al., 2010, Nature Reviews Microbiology). Targeting these structures allows for selective toxicity, as many of these molecular patterns are absent in mammalian biology.

Other names

Bacterial cell wallFungal cell wallBiofilm matrixExtracellular polymeric substancesEPSMicrobial ECM

Inhibition of cell wall biosynthesis, disruption of membrane integrity, or degradation of the biofilm matrix to facilitate antimicrobial penetration (Kohanski et al., 2010, Nature Reviews Microbiology).