Borrelia p45

Borrelia burgdorferi is a bacterium belonging to the spirochete phylum, known for causing Lyme disease, a zoonotic, vector-borne disease primarily transmitted by ticks . Among the various proteins expressed by Borrelia burgdorferi, the p45 protein has garnered significant attention due to its potential applications in research and diagnostics.

Lyme disease is caused by several species within the Borrelia genus, with Borrelia burgdorferi being the most prominent in North America. The disease is characterized by a range of symptoms, including erythema migrans (a distinctive skin lesion), joint pain, neurological complications, and cardiac issues . The early detection and diagnosis of Lyme disease are crucial for effective treatment and management.

The p45 protein of Borrelia burgdorferi is one of the many antigens that elicit an immune response in infected individuals. It is a glycosylated polypeptide with a molecular mass of approximately 45,259.3 Daltons . The protein is expressed with a 10xHis tag at the N-terminus and is purified using proprietary chromatographic techniques .

Recombinant p45 protein is produced in Sf9 insect cells, which allows for proper glycosylation and folding of the protein . The recombinant form is supplied in a sterile, filtered solution containing 20mM HEPES buffer (pH 7.6), 250mM NaCl, and 20% glycerol . The purity of the recombinant p45 protein is greater than 80%, as determined by SDS-PAGE .

The recombinant p45 protein has several applications in research and diagnostics:

1. Immunodot Tests: Used to detect antibodies in Lyme disease-positive or negative plasma samples .
2. T Cell Stimulation Assays: Helps in studying the immune response to Borrelia burgdorferi .
3. ELISPOT (Enzyme-Linked Immunospot) Assays: Used to quantify the frequency of antigen-specific T cells .