Repeat modules and N-linked glycans define structure and antigenicity of a critical enterotoxigenic E. coli adhesin.

ABSTRACT: Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) cause hundreds of millions of cases of infectious diarrhea annually, predominantly in children from low-middle income regions. Notably, in children, as well as volunteers challenged with ETEC, diarrheal severity is significantly increased in blood group A (bgA) individuals. EtpA, is a secreted glycoprotein adhesin that functions as a blood group A lectin to promote critical interactions between ETEC and blood group A glycans on intestinal epithelia for effective bacterial adhesion and toxin delivery. EtpA is highly immunogenic resulting in robust antibody responses following natural infection and experimental challenge of volunteers with ETEC. To understand how EtpA directs ETEC-blood group A interactions and stimulates adaptive immunity, we mutated

SUBMITTER: Berndsen ZT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11463764 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature