Fibronectin binding to the Treponema pallidum adhesin protein fragment rTp0483 on functionalized self-assembled monolayers.

ABSTRACT: Past work has shown that Treponema pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis, binds host fibronectin (FN). FN and other host proteins are believed to bind to rare outer membrane proteins (OMPs) of T. pallidum, and it is postulated that this interaction may facilitate cell attachment and mask antigenic targets on the surface. This research seeks to prepare a surface capable of mimicking the FN binding ability of T. pallidum in order to investigate the impact of FN binding with adsorbed Tp0483 on the host response to the surface. By understanding this interaction, it may be possible to develop more effective treatments for infection and possibly mimic the stealth properties of the bacteria. Functionalized self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold were used to investigate rTp0483 and FN adsorp

SUBMITTER: Dickerson MT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3288308 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature