T.pallidum p41 Mosaic

Treponema pallidum is a gram-negative spirochaete bacterium known for causing syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection. This bacterium is metabolically crippled and has a small genome, reflecting its adaptation to the rich environment of mammalian tissue. Treponema pallidum has several subspecies, including T. pallidum pallidum, T. pallidum pertenue, T. pallidum carateum, and T. pallidum endemicum .

The helical structure of Treponema pallidum allows it to move in a corkscrew motion through viscous mediums such as mucus. This unique movement is crucial for its ability to infect host tissues .

The p41 protein is a major membrane immunogen of Treponema pallidum. It is an outer membrane protein that plays a significant role in the bacterium’s ability to evade the host’s immune system. The p41 protein is immunodominant, meaning it is a primary target for the host’s immune response .

The recombinant p41 mosaic protein is derived from Escherichia coli (E. coli) and contains the immunodominant regions of the p41 protein. This recombinant protein is fused with a glutathione S-transferase (GST) tag, which aids in its purification and detection .

The recombinant p41 mosaic protein is highly immunoreactive with sera from individuals infected with Treponema pallidum. It is suitable for use in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and Western blots, making it an excellent antigen for the detection of Treponema pallidum with minimal specificity problems .

The recombinant p41 mosaic protein is typically shipped at ambient temperature and should be stored at -20°C upon arrival. It remains stable for up to five years when frozen and for one month in solution at room temperature .