InlD

InlD is a bacterial protein that plays a role in cell adhesion and invasion. It is encoded by the inlD gene found in certain species of Listeria, a genus of Gram-positive bacteria. This protein is a member of the internalin family, which are known to facilitate the entry of Listeria into host cells. InlD is characterized by the presence of leucine-rich repeats (LRRs) in its extracellular domain, which are thought to mediate interactions with host cell surface molecules.

The precise mechanism of InlD's action is still under investigation, but it is believed to bind to host cell receptors, triggering signaling pathways that lead to the engulfment of the bacterium by the host cell. This process, known as endocytosis, is a crucial step in the pathogenesis of Listeria infections. InlD has been shown to contribute to the invasion of various cell types, including epithelial cells and macrophages. Research suggests that InlD may have a distinct preference for certain host cell targets compared to other internalins. Understanding the function of InlD is important for developing strategies to combat Listeria infections, as it represents a key virulence factor involved in host cell entry.