BC2LA from Burkholderia cenocepacia

BC2LA from Burkholderia cenocepacia

BC2LA is a soluble lectin produced by Burkholderia cenocepacia, a Gram-negative bacterium known for its virulence and antibiotic resistance. This lectin is part of a family of lectins (BC2L-A to BC2L-D) that play crucial roles in bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation, which are essential for the bacterium’s pathogenicity and survival in various environments.

Key Features of BC2LA:

Specificity: BC2LA exhibits specificity for mannose and oligomannose-type N-glycans, which are important for its interaction with host cells and other glycoconjugates.

Structure: It consists of a single carbohydrate recognition domain and associates as a dimer, with each monomer containing one Ca²⁺ ion involved in ligand binding.

Function: BC2LA is involved in the formation and maintenance of biofilms, which are critical for B. cenocepacia’s ability to adhere to surfaces and evade host immune responses.

Production: BC2LA can be produced in E. coli for research purposes, allowing for further study of its properties and potential applications.

Clinical-Significance:
BC2LA and other lectins from B. cenocepacia are significant due to their role in the bacterium’s pathogenicity, particularly in cystic fibrosis patients where B. cenocepacia can cause severe infections. Understanding these lectins can help in developing targeted therapies against B. cenocepacia infections