Native Bordetella pertussis Filamentous Hemagglutinin protein

Supplementary information

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

The Bordetella pertussis Filamentous Hemagglutinin also known as FHA is a large filamentous protein involved in bacterial adhesion. It has a molecular mass of around 220 kilodaltons. This protein is primarily expressed on the surface of Bordetella pertussis bacterium which is the causative agent of whooping cough. FHA contains several domains that mediate host-cell binding helping the bacteria to attach and colonize the respiratory tract.

Biological function summary

FHA facilitates attachment to ciliated epithelial cells in the human respiratory system enabling Bordetella pertussis to establish infection. This interaction allows the bacterium to evade immune responses effectively. FHA acts as a critical component of the bacterial adherence complex working together with other virulence factors like pertussis toxin and fimbriae. This combination of proteins enhances the bacterium’s ability to persist within host tissues.

Pathways

The fibronectin-binding property of FHA plays an important role in the process of bacterial adherence and colonization pathways. FHA works synergistically with other bacterial proteins like pertactin engaging in crosstalk that affects the modulation of immune pathways in the host. These pathways are important for the competitive advantage of Bordetella pertussis within the respiratory tract facilitating infection and immune evasion.

Bordetella pertussis Filamentous Hemagglutinin is intimately associated with whooping cough a highly contagious respiratory disease. This condition can lead to serious complications especially in infants and young children. FHA's interaction with the immune system also links it indirectly to post-vaccination immunity; antibodies against FHA often form part of the response to the pertussis vaccine. FHA's presence in the bacterial complex with pertussis toxin highlights its role in disease pathology making it a significant target for both treatment and prevention strategies.