Structures of Fibrillar Adhesins That Mediate Bacteria–Host Interactions and Biofilm Formation

This chapter explores the structural and functional mechanisms of fibrillar adhesins involved in bacteria-host interactions and biofilm formation. Fibrillar adhesins are non-fimbrial proteins characterized by a modular architecture, which play a crucial role in bacterial adhesion, colonization, and the development of biofilms. We focus on their diversity across Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, highlighting the structural variations and mechanisms of ligand-binding that enable these adhesins to interact with extracellular matrix proteins, host cells, and abiotic surfaces. This chapter also discusses the current methodologies used to study these adhesins, including cryo-electron microscopy techniques, and explores the potential for therapeutic targeting of fibrillar adhesins to disrupt biofilm formation and prevent bacterial infections.