Borrelia Afzelii OspC
Description
Borrelia Afzelii OspC is expressed with a 10xHis tag at N-terminus and purified by proprietary chromatographic techniques.
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
Borrelia afzelii is one of the primary causative agents of Lyme disease in Europe. This bacterium belongs to the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex, which includes several species responsible for Lyme disease. One of the critical factors in the pathogenicity of Borrelia afzelii is the expression of outer surface proteins (Osp), particularly Outer Surface Protein C (OspC).
OspC is a major surface lipoprotein produced by Borrelia species during the early stages of infection. It plays a crucial role in the bacterium’s ability to establish infection in the host. OspC is highly variable among different Borrelia strains, which helps the bacteria evade the host’s immune system .
OspC is upregulated in response to a blood meal taken by the tick vector, facilitating the transmission of Borrelia from the tick to the mammalian host . Once inside the host, OspC helps the bacteria evade the immune system by binding to human fibrinogen and other blood components . This interaction is essential for the bacteria’s survival and dissemination within the host.
Recombinant OspC refers to the protein produced through recombinant DNA technology, typically in a bacterial expression system like E. coli. This recombinant protein is used in various research and diagnostic applications. For instance, it can be used to study the protein’s structure and function, develop diagnostic tests for Lyme disease, and potentially create vaccines .
- Research: Recombinant OspC is used to study the molecular mechanisms of Borrelia infection. By understanding how OspC interacts with host proteins, researchers can develop strategies to block these interactions and prevent infection.
- Diagnostics: OspC is a target for serological tests used to diagnose Lyme disease. Recombinant OspC can be used to produce antigens for these tests, improving their sensitivity and specificity .
- Vaccine Development: There is ongoing research into developing vaccines against Lyme disease. Recombinant OspC is a potential candidate for such vaccines, as it is a key antigen involved in the early stages of infection .
