Treponema TmpA 45kDa
Description
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
Treponema pallidum is a spirochete bacterium responsible for syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection that has significant global health implications. The bacterium is known for its complex antigenic structure, which includes several proteins that play crucial roles in its pathogenicity and immune evasion. One such protein is TmpA, a 45kDa recombinant protein that has garnered attention for its potential in diagnostic applications.
TmpA, or Treponema membrane protein A, is an outer membrane protein of Treponema pallidum. It is characterized by its molecular weight of approximately 45 kilodaltons (kDa). TmpA is believed to play a role in the bacterium’s structural integrity and its interaction with the host immune system. The protein’s antigenic properties make it a target for immune responses, which is why it has been studied extensively for its potential use in serological tests for syphilis diagnosis .
Recombinant TmpA refers to the protein produced through recombinant DNA technology. This involves cloning the gene encoding TmpA into an expression system, such as Escherichia coli, to produce large quantities of the protein. The recombinant form of TmpA retains the antigenic properties of the native protein, making it suitable for use in diagnostic assays.
The primary application of recombinant TmpA is in the serological diagnosis of syphilis. Serological tests detect antibodies against Treponema pallidum in the patient’s blood. Recombinant TmpA has been evaluated for its sensitivity and specificity in various diagnostic assays, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and liquid microarray analyses .
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Sensitivity and Specificity: Studies have shown that recombinant TmpA exhibits high specificity, often approaching 100%, meaning it has a low rate of false-positive results. However, its sensitivity can vary, with some studies reporting values around 80% . This indicates that while TmpA is highly reliable in confirming syphilis infection, it may miss some cases, particularly in early stages of the disease.
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Combination with Other Antigens: To improve diagnostic accuracy, recombinant TmpA is often used in combination with other Treponema pallidum antigens, such as TpN17 and TpN47. This combination enhances the overall sensitivity and specificity of the diagnostic tests, providing a more comprehensive assessment of the patient’s serological status .
Ongoing research aims to optimize the use of recombinant TmpA in diagnostic assays. This includes exploring different antigenic mixtures and improving the expression and purification processes to enhance the protein’s yield and stability. Additionally, studies are investigating the potential of TmpA as a biomarker for monitoring treatment response and disease progression .
