MSCRAMM

MSCRAMM (Microbial surface components recognizing adhesive matrix molecules). The MSCRAMM proteins are critical for the initial attachment of bacteria to host, providing a critical step to establish infection.

Examples include clumping factor A (ClfA), fibronectin binding protein (Fnbp) from Staphylococcus aureus and SdrG from Staphylococcus epidermidis.

The MSCRAMMs have mainly been studied in Gram positive pathogens and are promising drug targets. The monoclonal antibody Aurexis (Inhibitex, Inc.) is targeted against ClfA and has been tested in a phase II trial.