Interaction of Listeria monocytogenes autolysin amidase with glycosaminoglycans promotes listerial adhesion to mouse hepatocytes

► Ami promotes listerial adhesion to the hepatocytes mediated by GAGs. ► Four-repeat CWA of Ami is required for binding to listerial cells and mouse hepatocytes. ► Four-repeat CWA of Ami binds to mouse hepatocytes mediated by GAGs. ► Four-repeat CWA of Ami is sufficient for heparan sulfate binding. ► Four-repeat CWA of Ami interacts with sulfated GAGs.