Immunodominant extracellular loops of Treponema pallidum FadL outer membrane proteins elicit antibodies with opsonic and growth-inhibitory activities.

The global resurgence of syphilis has created a potent stimulus for vaccine development. To identify potentially protective antibodies against Treponema pallidum (TPA), we used Pyrococcus furiosus thioredoxin (PfTrx) to display extracellular loops (ECLs) from three TPA outer membrane protein families (outer membrane factors for efflux pumps, eight-stranded β-barrels, and FadLs) to assess their reactivity with immune rabbit serum (IRS). We identified five immunodominant loops from the FadL orthologs TP0856, TP0858 and TP0865 by immunoblotting and ELISA.

Immunodominant extracellular loops of FadL outer membrane proteins elicit antibodies with opsonic and growth-inhibitory activities.

The global resurgence of syphilis has created a potent stimulus for vaccine development. To identify potentially protective antibodies (Abs) against (), we used thioredoxin (Trx) to display extracellular loops (ECLs) from three outer membrane protein families (outer membrane factors for efflux pumps, eight-stranded β-barrels, and FadLs) to assess their reactivity with immune rabbit serum (IRS). Five ECLs from the FadL orthologs TP0856, TP0858 and TP0865 were immunodominant.

Use of Epivolve phage display to generate a monoclonal antibody with opsonic activity directed against a subdominant epitope on extracellular loop 4 of BamA (TP0326).

Introduction: Syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the spirochete (), is resurging globally. 's repertoire of outer membrane proteins (OMPs) includes BamA (β-barrel assembly machinery subunit A/TP0326), a bipartite protein consisting of a 16-stranded β-barrel with nine extracellular loops (ECLs) and five periplasmic POTRA (polypeptide transport-associated) domains. BamA ECL4 antisera promotes internalization of by rabbit peritoneal macrophages.

Extracellular Loops of the Treponema pallidum FadL Orthologs TP0856 and TP0858 Elicit IgG Antibodies and IgG-Specific B-Cells in the Rabbit Model of Experimental Syphilis.

The resurgence of syphilis in the new millennium has called attention to the importance of a vaccine for global containment strategies. Studies with immune rabbit serum (IRS) indicate that a syphilis vaccine should elicit antibodies (Abs) that promote opsonophagocytosis of treponemes by activated macrophages. The availability of three-dimensional models for Treponema pallidum's () repertoire of outer membrane proteins (OMPs) provides an architectural framework for identification of candidate vaccinogens with extracellular loops (ECLs) as the targets for protective Abs.

WORLD CANCER RESEARCH DAY: A Call to Action for a Coordinated International Research Effort to Prevent, Diagnose, and Treat Cancer.

Cancer is a major public health problem and the second leading cause of death worldwide. The burden of cancer continues to grow and is projected to double by 2040. This situation calls for coordinated action and emphasizes the need to join efforts on worldwide initiatives, including World Cancer Research Day (WCRD), which aims to create and consolidate a yearly momentum to raise awareness and commitment for research on cancer.