adhesinreceptor

An adhesin receptor is a host molecule that is recognized by microbial adhesins, enabling attachment of bacteria or other microbes to host cells or tissues. The term distinguishes the host receptor from the microbial adhesin itself and defines the molecular target of adherence.

Adhesin–receptor interactions are often the first step in colonization and infection. They influence tissue tropism, host range, and virulence. The strength and specificity of binding contribute to persistence, invasion potential, and the likelihood of establishing infection in a particular anatomical site.

Receptors are diverse in molecular nature. They can be glycoproteins, proteoglycans, glycolipids, or components of the extracellular matrix. Binding frequently involves carbohydrate recognition (for example, certain mannose-containing structures or blood-group antigens) but can also target protein or lipid moieties. Many adhesins are multivalent, enabling high-avidity attachment despite moderate affinity of single interactions.

Examples include bacterial adhesins such as Escherichia coli fimbrial or afimbrial proteins that bind to mannosylated receptors in the urinary tract, P fimbriae that recognize Gal-containing receptors, and Helicobacter pylori BabA that binds Lewis b antigens. Therapeutically, disrupting adhesin–receptor interactions is explored as an anti-adhesion strategy, using receptor mimetics, soluble decoys, or vaccines to prevent colonization. Receptor availability can be influenced by host glycosylation patterns, inflammation, and mucin turnover, affecting susceptibility to infection.