Surface molecule of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus

The surface molecules of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), particularly *Enterococcus faecium* and *Enterococcus faecalis*, are a diverse group of bacterial surface proteins—most notably MSCRAMMs (such as Esp, SgrA, Acm, and Scm)—that facilitate adhesion to host tissues, promote biofilm formation, and contribute to the virulence of these multidrug-resistant pathogens. These molecules are frequently anchored to the cell wall via an LPxTG motif processed by sortase, enabling persistent colonization of hospital environments and medical devices. Because they are key mediators of infection and immune evasion, and are differentially regulated in biofilm-associated states, they are considered emerging targets for novel therapeutic intervention—though not established targets like classic receptors or enzymes. Variation both in surface protein gene content and expression presents challenges for universal targeting and diagnostics.\n\nImportant Notes:\n- "Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus surface molecules" does not refer to a single canonical molecule but to a family of diverse surface-expressed proteins that contribute to resistance, persistence, and pathogenicity. The best practice is to refer to specific well-characterized molecules (e.g., Esp, SgrA, Acm) when possible.\n- While these surface proteins are considered promising therapeutic and diagnostic targets, they do not fit the classical definition of a "receptor", "enzyme", or "transporter" and are present as a highly variable set in VRE clinical isolates.

Other names

Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus surface proteinVRE surface proteinMSCRAMM (microbial surface components recognizing adhesive matrix molecules)LPxTG-type surface proteinSgrAEspAcmScm

Drugs targeting these molecules aim to inhibit adhesion, disrupt biofilm, or hinder the function of the surface adhesins, thereby enhancing bacterial clearance by antibiotics or the immune system.