Type 3 fimbrial protein MrpA (MrpA) (MrpA)

Type 3 fimbriae are rigid, hair-like surface appendages primarily found in Gram-negative pathogens such as Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus mirabilis (UniProt, PubMed: 11274108). These structures are composed of a major subunit protein called MrpA and a specific tip-positioned adhesin, MrpD, which facilitates mannose-resistant attachment to both biotic surfaces and abiotic surfaces like urinary catheters (PubMed: 23681461). They are considered critical virulence factors due to their central role in the initiation and maturation of biofilms, which protect bacteria from host immune responses and conventional antibiotics (PubMed: 20023023). Therapeutic targeting of MrpA via experimental vaccines or small molecule inhibitors of the chaperone-usher assembly pathway aims to prevent bacterial colonization. Such anti-virulence strategies are particularly relevant for preventing catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) and managing multi-drug resistant strains (PubMed: 26341258). By disrupting the initial adherence phase, these interventions offer a potential alternative or adjunct to traditional antibiotic therapy in hospital settings.

Other names

Mrp fimbriaeType 3 piliMannose-resistant Proteus-like fimbriaeType 3 fimbriaeKlebsiella pneumoniae type 3 fimbriaeMrpA major subunit

Inhibition of bacterial attachment to host tissues and medical device surfaces by targeting the structural assembly of fimbriae or blocking the interaction between the tip adhesin and the host receptor.