University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

An adhesin is a protein or glycoprotein found on the surface of a pathogen that attaches to receptors on the host cell. There are multiple virulence factors that aid in adhesion: 
- Protein F
- Adhesin P1
- Type IV pili
- Type 1 fimbriae
- N-methylphenylalanine pili

Bacterial Virulence Factors for Adhesion

Protein F is an adhesin found in *Streptococcus pyogenes* that facilitates bacterial attachment to respiratory epithelial cells in the host.

Protein F

Adhesin P1 is a surface protein found in *Streptococcus mutans* that facilitates the bacterium's attachment to teeth, playing a crucial role in the development of tooth decay. 

Adhesin P1

Type IV pili in *Neisseria gonorrhoeae* facilitate attachment to urethral epithelial cells, playing a key role in the establishment of gonorrhea.

Type IV Pili

Type 1 fimbriae are surface structures found on many Gram-negative bacteria that aid in adhesion to host cells and are involved in biofilm formation.

Type 1 Fimbriae

N-methylphenylalanine pili are surface proteins in bacteria that facilitate adhesion to surfaces, aiding in colonization.

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