Table 1. Spn genes tested for their effect on mucus interactions.

Spn surface factors (row 2–5) and enzymes (row 6–10) tested for their effect on mucus interactions. Data shows the results of adherence assays of a Spn gene-knockout strain with mNF or, as noted with hNF compared to wild-type Spn. (-) indicates that there was no increase in adherence and a (+) indicates there was an increase in adherence. We tested these genes for their role in mucus binding in the Type 4 (TIGR4 isolate) background, if an effect was detected, we also tested a knockout mutant in the Type 23F background.

SP_#	Gene Name	Gene Function	Increased adherence (mNL)
SP_0461–0468	rlrA	Type 1 pilus; Adhesin	-
SP_2190	cbpA/pspC	Choline binding protein A; Adhesion to pIGR, binds human secretory component	-
SP_0342–0366	cps	Capsule; Capsule biosynthesis	+
SP_1492	mucBP	Mucin binding protein	-
SP_0614	estA	O-deacetylase; Removes acetyl groups from sialic acid facilitating neuraminidase activity	-#
SP_1693	nanA	Neuraminidase; Exo-glycosidase, binds and releases terminal −2,3, −2,6 and −2,8 linked sialic acid	+Ψ
SP_1687	nanB	Neuraminidase; Exo-glycosidase, binds and releases terminal α2,3 sialic acid	+
SP_0648	bgaA	B-galactosidase; Binds and releases β1–4 galactose	-*
SP_0057	strH	N-acetylhexosaminidase; Binds and releases N-acetylglucosamines	-~

*Strain-dependent, strain Type 23F (Yes), TIGR4 (No)

^Ψ Effect observed with Type 23F. No significant effect in strain TIGR4 which expresses a truncated, secreted form of the enzyme

^~Only tested in the Type 23F background

^# Additionally, tested in hNF due to the difference in acetylation in humans versus mice [17]