Exploiting pilus-mediated bacteria-host interactions for health benefits

Vinay Sharma, Ingemar von Ossowski, Vengadesan Krishnan*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview Articlepeer-review

15 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Surface pili (or fimbriae) are an important but conspicuous adaptation of several genera and species of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. These long and non-flagellar multi-subunit adhesins mediate the initial contact that a bacterium has with a host or environment, and thus have come to be regarded as a key colonization factor for virulence activity in pathogens or niche adaptation in commensals. Pili in pathogenic bacteria are well recognized for their roles in the adhesion to host cells, colonization of tissues, and establishment of infection. As an ‘anti-adhesive’ ploy, targeting pilus-mediated attachment for disruption has become a potentially effective alternative to using antibiotics. In this review, we give a description of the several structurally distinct bacterial pilus types thus far characterized, and as well offer details about the intricacy of their individual structure, assembly, and function. With a molecular understanding of pilus biogenesis and pilus-mediated host interactions also provided, we go on to describe some of the emerging new approaches and compounds that have been recently developed to prevent the adhesion, colonization, and infection of piliated bacterial pathogens.

Original languageEnglish
Article number100998
Number of pages17
JournalMOLECULAR ASPECTS OF MEDICINE
Volume81
Early online date20 Jul 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2021
MoE publication typeA2 Review article, Literature review, Systematic review

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