Scientists discover the mechanism behind a key component used by certain bacteria to interact with our bodies

An international team led by Ramón Hurtado-Guerrero has described how the X409 bacterial protein from E. coli EHEC recognises patches of sugars in human mucins. This finding, published in Nature Communications, reveals the selective anchoring mechanism that is essential for the development of drugs, diagnostic tools and biosensors. It also paves the way for new targeted therapies that can interact with the body’s protective barrier.