Adhesins

Specialised proteins on bacterial surfaces that grip specific receptors on host cells or food-contact surfaces — molecular grappling hooks mediating attachment. Pathogens such as E. coli and Salmonella deploy adhesins to colonise the gut lining, the opening move of infection, while spoilage organisms use them to anchor onto equipment and form biofilms. Understanding adhesin-receptor pairing guides vaccine design, probiotic selection and anti-adhesion strategies that aim to block attachment rather than kill bacteria outright. In food safety, they explain why some strains persist on surfaces that look clean.