Purified by proprietary chromatographic technique.
Borrelia burgdorferi is a spirochete bacterium primarily known for causing Lyme disease, a vector-borne illness transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks, particularly those of the Ixodes ricinus complex . The bacterium has a complex genome and expresses various proteins that play crucial roles in its pathogenicity and immune evasion.
One of the significant proteins expressed by Borrelia burgdorferi is the p41 protein, also known as flagellin. This protein is a component of the bacterium’s flagellum, which is essential for its motility. The p41 protein is highly immunogenic, meaning it can elicit a strong immune response in the host. This makes it a valuable target for diagnostic assays and vaccine development .
Recombinant p41 protein refers to the p41 protein that has been produced using recombinant DNA technology. This involves inserting the gene encoding the p41 protein into an expression system, such as bacteria or yeast, to produce the protein in large quantities. The recombinant p41 protein retains the immunogenic properties of the native protein, making it useful for various applications in research and diagnostics .
The recombinant p41 protein is widely used in serological assays for the diagnosis of Lyme disease. These assays detect antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi in the patient’s serum. The presence of antibodies against the p41 protein indicates exposure to the bacterium and can help confirm a diagnosis of Lyme disease . The use of recombinant p41 protein in these assays improves their sensitivity and specificity, leading to more accurate diagnostic results .
In addition to its diagnostic applications, the recombinant p41 protein is also used in research to study the immune response to Borrelia burgdorferi. Understanding how the immune system recognizes and responds to the p41 protein can provide insights into the pathogenesis of Lyme disease and aid in the development of effective vaccines . Researchers are exploring the potential of using the recombinant p41 protein as a component of a Lyme disease vaccine, aiming to elicit a protective immune response in vaccinated individuals .