FITC Anti-Borrelia burgdorferi antibody

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

Borrelia burgdorferi known also as B. burgdorferi is a bacterium responsible for Lyme disease. It is a spirochete a type of bacteria distinguished by its corkscrew shape. This bacterium has a mass of approximately 1.5 million daltons. B. burgdorferi expresses surface proteins that have important roles in its survival and transmission including OspA and OspC which are key in interacting with host immune systems. These surface proteins allow Borrelia burgdorferi to adapt to different environments within tick vectors and mammalian hosts.

Biological function summary

The surface proteins of B. burgdorferi enable the bacterium to evade host immune responses. These components do not form part of a larger protein complex but they interact directly with host tissues to facilitate infection. B. burgdorferi's ability to alter its surface proteins through genetic recombination is a major factor in its persistence in host organisms. Its expression strategies enable it to adapt as a pathogen inside both the tick vector and mammalian hosts such as humans where it establishes chronic infections.

Pathways

Surface proteins like OspA and OspC play essential roles in the infection pathways used by Borrelia burgdorferi. Within the tick OspA enables adherence to tick midgut cells affecting transmission pathways when feeding. In mammals proteins like OspC assist the bacterium in evading the host's immune system contributing to pathways involving immune evasion and tissue infiltration. These protein interactions allow B. burgdorferi to exploit weaknesses in host defenses distinguishing this spirochete in bacterial pathogenesis.

Associated diseases and disorders

Borrelia burgdorferi is directly related to Lyme disease a condition that if untreated can lead to severe neurological and arthritic symptoms. The surface protein OspC is particularly significant in early-stage Lyme disease and is a primary target for research into disease markers. In chronic cases Borrelia antibodies may not be effective leading to persistent infection. Additionally the relationship with other proteins like those in the host's immune pathways e.g. complement proteins is a current focus in understanding how B. burgdorferi achieves sustained infection in humans.