A unique borrelial protein facilitates microbial immune evasion

• DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02135-23
• Publication Date: 2023-10-13T13:01:36Z
• Authors: Shelby D. Foor; Kalvis Brangulis; Anil K. Shakya; Vipin S. Rana; Sandhya Bista; Chrysoula Kitsou; Michael Ronzetti; Adit B. Alreja; Sara B. Linden; Amanda S. Altieri; Bolormaa Baljinnyam; Inara Akopjana; Daniel C. Nelson; Anton Simeonov; Osnat Herzberg; Melissa J. Caimano; Utpal Pal
• Keywords: Evasion (ethics)

ABSTRACT Borrelia burgdorferi, the pathogen of Lyme disease, encodes many conserved proteins unknown structure or function, including ones that serve essential roles in microbial infectivity. One such protein is BB0238, which folds into a two-domain protein, as we have determined by X-ray crystallography and AlphaFold analysis. The N-terminal domain begins with helix-turn-helix motif (HTH), previously referred to tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) motif, known mediate protein-protein interactions. fold C-terminal has been seen range unrelated activities thus does not infer function. In addition its binding partner BB0323, another borrelial virulence determinant, show BB0238 also binds second BB0108, ortholog chaperone SurA peptidyl-prolyl cis / trans isomerase PrsA. An vitro enzymatic assay confirmed catalytic activity. We crystal revealed parvulin-type organization key residues. influences proteolytic processing although TPR/HTH involved process. Instead, stabilizes host environment facilitates tick-to-mouse transmission aiding spirochete evasion early cellular immunity. Taken together, these studies highlight biological significance interactions multiple B. burgdorferi for infection. IMPORTANCE disease major tick-borne infection caused bacterial called , transmitted ticks affects hundreds thousands people every year. These pathogens are distinct from other genera microbes because their features ability transmit multi-system vertebrates, humans. Progress understanding biology advancements towards prevention, hindered an incomplete microbiology partly due occurrence unique structurally functions yet indispensable survival. herein report use diverse technologies examine function annotated BB0238—an determinant. organized two domains, multiplex interactions, believe our findings will further enrich potentially impacting future development novel prevention strategies against widespread tick-transmitted