The Trimeric Autotransporter Adhesin YadA of Serotype O:9 Binds Glycan Moieties.

adhesin A (YadA) is a key virulence factor of and . YadA is a trimeric autotransporter adhesin, a class of adhesins that have been shown to enable many Gram-negative pathogens to adhere to/interact with the host extracellular matrix proteins such as collagen, vitronectin, and fibronectin. Here, we show for the first time that YadA of serotype O:9 not only interacts with proteinaceous surface molecules but can also attach directly to glycan moieties. We show that YadA from serotype O:9 does not interact with the vitronectin protein itself but exclusively with its N-linked glycans. We also show that YadA can target other glycan moieties as found in heparin, for example. So far, little is known about specific interactions between bacterial autotransporter adhesins and glycans. This could potentially lead to new antimicrobial treatment strategies, as well as diagnostic applications.