Virulence Potential of the Staphylococcal Adhesin CNA in Experimental Arthritis Is Determined by Its Affinity for Collagen

Abstract

The results provide, for the first time, direct evidence that the virulence of CNA depends on its collagen-binding ability. Collagen binding facilitated early colonization of the joints of mice. Furthermore, the virulence potential of the adhesin is determined by the adhesin's affinity for its ligand, as well as its binding kinetics.