Pseudomonas aeruginosa Type IV pilin protein PilA (PilA)

The Pseudomonas aeruginosa Type IV pilin protein PilA is the primary structural subunit of Type IV pili (T4P), which are multifunctional surface appendages critical for the organism's pathogenicity (UniProt, 2024, Accession P02973). PilA polymers form the pilus fiber, which enables twitching motility—a form of surface movement powered by the rapid extension and retraction of the pili (PubMed, 2014, PMC4200673). This protein also serves as a crucial adhesin, mediating the initial attachment of the bacteria to host cell receptors, such as asialo-GM1, which is a vital step in establishing respiratory and systemic infections (PubMed, 2018, PMC6136173). Beyond motility and adhesion, PilA contributes to the formation of robust biofilms and the uptake of external DNA, facilitating environmental persistence and antibiotic resistance (PubMed, 2021, PMC8230263). Because of its exposed position on the bacterial surface and its essential role in virulence, PilA is an attractive target for the development of anti-adhesive therapies and vaccines, particularly for patients with cystic fibrosis or those prone to hospital-acquired infections (PubMed, 2015, PMC4447477).

Other names

Major pilin subunit PilAType 4 fimbrial subunitT4P subunitFimbrial protein

Inhibition of pilus assembly, blocking of adhesion to host epithelial cells, and promotion of opsonophagocytosis by the immune system.