Pathogen adhesion to epithelium

Pathogen adhesion to epithelium is a fundamental step in the initiation of many infectious diseases, whereby microbial surface proteins known as adhesins engage specific or nonspecific receptors on host epithelial cells[1][3][4]. This interaction is crucial for subsequent colonization, biofilm formation, and evasion of host immune defenses. Diverse bacteria employ distinct molecular tools—such as pili, fimbriae, and specialized adhesins—to mediate these adhesive events, which can involve recognition of proteins, carbohydrates, or extracellular matrix components on host cells. While adhesion offers an opportunity for therapeutic intervention (e.g., by designing adhesin inhibitors or blocking host receptors), the process itself is not a molecule, but a complex biological phenomenon encompassing numerous molecular interactions[3][4]. If a specific adhesion molecule/receptor is of interest (e.g., "Mycobacterium tuberculosis pili" or "Streptococcus RrgA adhesin"), please specify for structured details on that molecule[1][3].

Other names

Bacterial adhesion to epitheliumMicrobial adhesion to epithelial cellsPathogen-epithelial attachment

Blockade of microbial adhesins (proteins on the pathogen); Disruption/inhibition of host receptor availability; Prevention of biofilm formation