Treponema p17 22kDa

Treponema pallidum is a spirochete bacterium responsible for syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection. The bacterium’s surface proteins play a crucial role in its pathogenicity and immune evasion. Among these proteins, the p17 protein, also known as TpN17 or 17 kDa lipoprotein, is of significant interest due to its potential applications in diagnostics and research.

The p17 protein is a 17 kDa lipoprotein encoded by the TP_0435 gene in Treponema pallidum. It is expressed in Escherichia coli for recombinant production, ensuring high purity and yield . The recombinant form of this protein is often used in various immunoassays, including ELISA and Western Blot (WB), due to its stability and reactivity .

Recombinant Treponema pallidum p17 protein is widely used in serological tests for syphilis diagnosis. Its high specificity and sensitivity make it an excellent candidate for detecting antibodies against Treponema pallidum in patient sera . Studies have shown that the p17 protein, along with other recombinant proteins like TpN47 and TmpA, can significantly improve the accuracy of syphilis serodiagnosis . These proteins are critical for achieving high diagnostic accuracy, as they help differentiate between syphilis and other infections that may cause cross-reactivity .

The recombinant p17 protein is also valuable in research settings. It is used to study the immune response to Treponema pallidum and to develop new diagnostic tools and vaccines. The protein’s ability to elicit a strong immune response makes it a promising candidate for vaccine development. Additionally, its role in the bacterium’s pathogenicity provides insights into the mechanisms of infection and immune evasion.