Molecular interactions and inhibition of the staphylococcal biofilm-forming protein SdrC

Significance The bacterial pathogen Staphylococcus aureus shows a remarkable ability to aggregate, thereby contributing to the formation of cellular communities that are difficult to eradicate. In this study, we dissect the homophilic interactions at play during S. aureus cell–cell adhesion, focusing on the key surface protein SdrC. We discover that SdrC is engaged in low-affinity homophilic bonds that promote intercellular adhesion, and that it...