Pseudomonas aeruginosa iron-transport outer membrane receptor (TBDT)

Pseudomonas aeruginosa iron-transport outer membrane receptors are a family of TonB-dependent transporters (TBDTs) that play a vital role in the survival and pathogenesis of the bacterium by facilitating the uptake of essential iron (Luscher et al., 2018, PubMed: 29610408). These receptors, including FpvA for pyoverdine and FptA for pyochelin, recognize and bind iron-siderophore complexes in the extracellular environment and transport them across the outer membrane using energy derived from the TonB-ExbB-ExbD complex (Noinaj et al., 2010, PubMed: 20430111). Since iron is strictly sequestered by the host during infection, these receptors are indispensable for bacterial growth and the establishment of chronic infections, such as those seen in cystic fibrosis (Cornelis, 2010, PubMed: 20353451). In therapeutic applications, these receptors are targeted by siderophore-antibiotic conjugates, most notably Cefiderocol, which mimics natural siderophores to gain entry into the bacterial cell (Zhanel et al., 2019, PubMed: 30863996). This "Trojan Horse" approach allows the drug to bypass traditional resistance mechanisms like porin loss or efflux pump overexpression, making these receptors high-value targets for treating multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas infections (Wu et al., 2020, PubMed: 32152101).

Other names

TonB-dependent transporterSiderophore receptorFpvA (Ferripyoverdine receptor)FptA (Ferripyochelin receptor)HasR (Heme receptor)PfeA (Enterobactin receptor)PirA (Pyochelin-like receptor)

Siderophore-mediated active transport (Trojan Horse mechanism)