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Collagen‐binding proteins of Streptococcus mutans and related streptococci
Author(s) -
AvilésReyes A.,
Miller J.H.,
Lemos J.A.,
Abranches J.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
molecular oral microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.18
H-Index - 77
eISSN - 2041-1014
pISSN - 2041-1006
DOI - 10.1111/omi.12158
Subject(s) - streptococcus mutans , microbiology and biotechnology , virulence , colonization , pathogen , biology , biofilm , in vitro , oral cavity , tooth surface , human pathogen , chemistry , bacteria , biochemistry , medicine , gene , genetics , dentistry
Summary The ability of Streptococcus mutans to interact with collagen through the expression of collagen‐binding proteins ( CBP s) bestows this oral pathogen with an alternative to the sucrose‐dependent mechanism of colonization classically attributed to caries development. Based on the abundance and distribution of collagen throughout the human body, stringent adherence to this molecule grants S. mutans with the opportunity to establish infection at different host sites. Surface proteins, such as SpaP, WapA, Cnm and Cbm, have been shown to bind collagen in vitro , and it has been suggested that these molecules play a role in colonization of oral and extra‐oral tissues. However, robust collagen binding is not achieved by all strains of S. mutans , particularly those that lack Cnm or Cbm. These observations merit careful dissection of the contribution from these different CBP s towards tissue colonization and virulence. In this review, we will discuss the current understanding of mechanisms used by S. mutans and related streptococci to colonize collagenous tissues, and the possible contribution of CBP s to infections in different sites of the host.