AUTHOR=Surdel Matthew C. , Coburn Jenifer 

TITLE=Leptospiral adhesins: from identification to future perspectives

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Microbiology

VOLUME=15

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2024.1458655

DOI=10.3389/fmicb.2024.1458655

ISSN=1664-302X

ABSTRACT=<p>Leptospirosis is a significant zoonosis worldwide, with disease severity ranging from a mild non-specific illness to multi-organ dysfunction and hemorrhage. The disease is caused by pathogenic bacteria of the genus <italic>Leptospira</italic>, which are classified into pathogenic and saprophytic clades. Bacterial binding to host molecules and cells, coordinated by adhesin proteins, is an important step in pathogenesis. While many leptospiral adhesins have been identified, the vast majority have not been characterized <italic>in vivo</italic>. Herein, we present an overview of the current methodologies and successes in identifying adhesins in <italic>Leptospira</italic>, including known biological roles <italic>in vivo</italic>. We will also identify and discuss potential areas for future research.</p>