Intimin

PDB 1e5u EBI

Intimin

Intimin is a protein produced by certain pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. It plays a crucial role in the process of bacterial attachment to host cells, particularly in the development of attaching and effacing lesions in the intestinal epithelium.

Structure

Intimin is a large, outer membrane protein that consists of multiple domains, including a C-terminal membrane anchor and an N-terminal extracellular region. The extracellular region contains binding sites that interact with specific receptors on the surface of host cells.

Function

The primary function of intimin is to mediate the intimate attachment of E. coli bacteria to host cells. This attachment is essential for the formation of attaching and effacing lesions, which are characterized by the effacement of microvilli on the surface of intestinal epithelial cells.

Role in Pathogenesis

Pathogenic strains of E. coli, such as enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) and enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC), use intimin to establish a strong attachment to the host intestinal epithelium. This attachment allows the bacteria to deliver effector proteins into host cells, leading to the disruption of normal cellular functions and the development of disease symptoms.

Clinical Significance

Intimin is considered a key virulence factor in E. coli infections, particularly those caused by EPEC and EHEC strains. Infections with these bacteria can lead to symptoms ranging from mild diarrhea to severe complications such as hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Research

Research on intimin has focused on understanding its structure-function relationship, as well as developing strategies to inhibit its interaction with host cells. Targeting intimin-mediated attachment has the potential to prevent or treat E. coli infections in the future.

See also

• Escherichia coli
• Virulence factor