Surface layer protein (S-layer protein) (S-layer protein)

Surface layer proteins (S-layer proteins) are highly expressed, self-assembling proteins or glycoproteins that form a two-dimensional crystalline array on the surface of most walled prokaryotes[1][2][3][5]. They function as protective coats, molecular sieves, and mediation points for cell adhesion and surface recognition[2][6]. S-layers can act as bacterial virulence factors, facilitate immune evasion, and define cellular shape and division, particularly in archaea. Their unique structural properties, high species specificity, and surface exposure make them attractive targets in microbiology, with ongoing research into their therapeutic and diagnostic potential. Particular S-layer proteins (e.g. Sap, EA1 in *B. anthracis*, SlpA in *C. difficile*) have been studied at atomic resolution and show complex self-assembly and cell wall anchoring via dedicated motifs such as the SLH (surface layer homology) domain, which interacts with secondary cell wall polysaccharides[1][2][3][4][5]. For structured information or therapeutic targeting, the precise species and protein should be specified, as "vegetative cell surface layer proteins" is too broad and incomplete for database use[2][3][4].

Other names

S-layer proteinSLPSurface array protein (Sap)Extractable antigen 1 (EA1)SbsBSlpA

Inhibitors would likely block self-assembly, cell wall anchoring, or disrupt the S-layer integrity Targeting species-specific structural motifs for antimicrobial or diagnostic purposes