Structural and functional characterization of the FimH adhesin of uropathogenic Escherichia coli and its novel applications

Abstract

Type 1 fimbriae are responsible for bacterial pathogenicity and biofilm production, which are important virulence factors in uropathogenic Escherichia coli strains. Many articles are published on fimH, but each examined a specific aspect of this protein. The current review study aimed at focusing on structure and conformational changes and describing efforts to use this protein in novel potential treatments for urinary tract infections, typing methods, and expression systems. The current study was the first review that briefly and effectively examined issues related to fimH adhesin.

Keywords: Conformation switch; FimH antagonists; Uropathogenic E. coli, FimH adhesin; fimH typing.