The study characterized the binding interaction between the zinc importer TdfJ and its human zinc source, S100A7, and it also identified a key region of TdfJ that mediates this interaction. "We detailed for the first time, the binding interaction for gonococcal TdfJ and its human ligand S100A7. We also identified several mutations in TdfJ loop 3 that alter S100A7 binding and subsequent zinc extraction," said Stavros A. Maurakis, first author of the study and a Ph.D. graduate of the Institute for Biomedical Sciences at Georgia State."With a more thorough understanding of the intricate relationships between these bacterial nutrient receptors and their host nutrient sources, we may help pave the way toward identifying effective prophylaxis and/or treatment for an important human disease