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Lookup NU author(s): Professor Nicholas JakubovicsORCiD
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Studies on the adherence properties of oral bacteria have been a major focus in microbiology research for several decades. The ability of bacteria to adhere to the variety of surfaces present in the oral cavity, and to become integrated within the resident microbial communities, confers growth and survival properties. Molecular analyses have revealed several families of Gram-positive bacterial surface proteins, including serine-rich repeat, antigen I/II, and pilus families, that mediate adherence to a variety of salivary and oral bacterial receptors. In Gram-negative bacteria, pili, auto-transporters, and extracellular matrix-binding proteins provide components for host tissue recognition and building of complex microbial communities. Future studies will reveal in greater detail the binding pockets for these adhesin families and their receptors. This information will be crucial for the development of new inhibitors or vaccines that target the functional regions of bacterial proteins that are involved in colonization and pathogenesis.
Author(s): Nobbs AH, Jenkinson HF, Jakubovics NS
Publication type: Review
Publication status: Published
Journal: Journal of Dental Research
Year: 2011
Volume: 90
Issue: 11
Pages: 1271-1278
Print publication date: 18/02/2011
ISSN (print): 0022-0345
ISSN (electronic): 1544-0591
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS INC
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0022034511399096
DOI: 10.1177/0022034511399096