Decreased expression of mannose-specific adhesins by Escherichia coli in the colonic microflora of immunoglobulin A-deficient individuals
Most Escherichia coli isolates can express type 1 fimbriae with mannose- specific adhesins. These adhesins bind to the oligosaccharide chains of secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA). Thus, in addition to specific antibody activity, secretory IgA possesses a broad reactivity with bacteria expressing type I fimbriae. The absence of secretory IgA in colonic secretions, as seen in IgA deficiency, might th