Binding of Helicobacter pylori to Extracellular Matrix Proteins

Abstract

The extracellular matrix is composed of molecules and molecular complexes secreted by eukaryotic cells, whose components have cells to one another or to the matrix. Extracellular matrices are typically composed of various types of collagens, the non-collagenous glycoproteins fibronectin and laminin, and different proteoglycans [17]. Since the first report of an interaction between a bacterium and a matrix protein [7], increased interest has arisen in the possiblity that extracellular matrix proteins could act as receptors for bacterial adherence. In fact, a diverse range of bacteria, including staphylococci, streptococci, enterobacteria. Bacillus subtilis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Treponema pallidum, Vibrio cholerae, and Campylobacter jejuni have been shown to bind various extracellular matrix proteins [15].