Prevalence and phylogenetic history of the TcpC virulence determinant in Escherichia coli.

Extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPECs) possess an armament of virulence factors to colonize and infect the host, such as adhesins, toxins, capsules and iron-uptake systems. Recently, we could identify a novel virulence factor of ExPECs that interferes with the innate immune response of the host by interrupting the NF-κB signaling pathway. This protein named TcpC shows considerable homology to motifs of the Tir domain of Toll-like receptors.

A multiepitope subunit vaccine conveys protection against extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli in mice.

Infections due to extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) are common in humans and animals and include urinary tract infections (from uropathogenic E. coli [UPEC]), septicemia, and wound infections. These infections result in significant morbidity and mortality and in high health care costs.