Ferric quinate (QPLEX) inhibits the interaction of major outer membrane protein (MOMP) with the Lewis b (Le) antigen and limits colonization in broilers.

colonizes hosts by interacting with Blood Group Antigens (BgAgs) on the surface of gastrointestinal epithelia. Genetic variations in BgAg expression affects host susceptibility to . Here, we show that the essential major outer membrane protein (MOMP) of NCTC11168 binds to the Lewis b (Le) antigen on the gastrointestinal epithelia of host tissues and this interaction can be competitively inhibited by ferric quinate (QPLEX), a ferric chelate structurally similar to bacterial siderophores.

Ferric quinate (QPLEX) interacts with the major outer membrane protein (MOMP) of and enters through the porin channel into the periplasmic space.

Ferric chelates like ferric tyrosinate (TYPLEX) and the closely related ferric quinate (QPLEX) are structural mimics of bacterial siderophores. TYPLEX has been trialled as a feed additive in farming of commercial broilers, reducing Campylobacter loads by 2-3 log and leading to faster growth and better feed consumption. These ferric chelates offer a good alternative feed additive to antibiotics helping to reduce the indiscriminate use of preventative antibiotics in broiler farming to control Campylobacter infections.