Mapping antigenic domains expressed by Chlamydia trachomatis major outer membrane protein genes.

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.85.11.4000
• Publication Date: 2006-05-31T10:37:13Z
• Authors: W Baehr; Y X Zhang; T Joseph; H Su; F E Nano; K D Everett; H D Caldwell
• Keywords: Chlamydiae; Antigenicity; Epitope mapping

Chlamydia trachomatis is an obligate prokaryotic intracellular pathogen of humans that infects mucosal epithelial cells. Exposed domains its major outer membrane protein (MOMP) are both serotyping and protective antigenic determinants. To identify these domains, we have cloned epitope-mapped the genes serovars A, C (C serogroup) L2, B (B with a panel monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Predominantly conserved regions serogroups interspersed four short variable (I-IV). Recombinant phage clones expressing specific MOMP determinants revealed serotype-specific recognized epitopes in I II. Protective subspecies serogroup-specific mAbs overlapping domain IV near terminus. A nonprotective species-specific mAb mapped to invariant peptide nine residues contained within IV. In intact chlamydial organism serovar B, II were susceptible proteolytic digestion, whereas N termini protected. These results suggest arrangement which three exposed outside presumably oriented toward periplasmic space. This molecular analysis their surface topology on chlamydiae will be useful development recombinant subunit or synthetic vaccine.