Borrelia BmpA

Borrelia burgdorferi is a spirochete bacterium responsible for Lyme disease, a serious inflammatory condition affecting the skin, muscles, joints, and central nervous system (CNS). Lyme disease is prevalent in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia . One of the key proteins involved in the pathogenesis of Lyme disease is the Basic Membrane Protein A (BmpA).

BmpA is a membrane-associated protein that plays a crucial role in mediating immune responses and inflammation in Lyme arthritis . It is highly conserved among Borrelia species and is essential for the bacterium’s survival and pathogenicity .

Recombinant BmpA (rBmpA) is produced using genetic engineering techniques, typically in Escherichia coli (E. coli). The recombinant protein is a non-glycosylated polypeptide chain with a molecular mass of approximately 35,000 to 36,239 Daltons . It is often expressed with a His-tag at the N-terminus to facilitate purification through chromatographic techniques .

Research has shown that rBmpA can induce arthritis in animal models, such as tree shrews . When injected into the knee joints of tree shrews, rBmpA stimulates an immune response, leading to joint swelling, increased arthritis severity scores, and elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and CXCR4 . Histopathological examinations reveal cartilage degeneration, synovial hyperplasia, and chondrocyte proliferation .

The study of rBmpA-induced arthritis in animal models provides valuable insights into the pathogenesis of Lyme arthritis and potential therapeutic approaches . By understanding the mechanisms through which BmpA mediates inflammation, researchers can develop targeted treatments to alleviate the symptoms of Lyme disease.