Identification of cell-surface glycans that mediate motility-dependent binding and internalization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by phagocytes

•We identify that N-linked glycans and glycosaminoglycans on phagocytes mediate binding and internalization of P. aeruginosa.•The cell-surface glycans, by virtue of engaging P. aeruginosa, also mediate a variety of relevant host responses to P. aeruginosa, including inflammation and cytotoxicity.•P. aeruginosa binding of immobilized heparin is dependent upon the flagellar motility of the bacteria.