Borrelia burgdorferi surface-located Lmp1 protein processed into region-specific polypeptides that are critical for microbial persistence.

ABSTRACT: One of the Borrelia burgdorferi virulence determinants, annotated as Lmp1, is a surface-exposed, conserved, and potential multi-domain protein involved in various functions in spirochete infectivity. Lmp1 contributes to host-pathogen interactions and evasion of host adaptive immunity by spirochetes. Here, we show that in diverse B. burgdorferi species, Lmp1 exists as distinct, region-specific, and lower molecular mass polypeptides encompassing 1 or more domains, including independent N-terminal and middle regions and a combined middle and C-terminal region. These polypeptides originate from complex posttranslational maturation events, partly supported by a periplasmic serine protease termed as BbHtrA. Although spirochete persistence in mice is independently supported by domain-specific Lmp

SUBMITTER: Zhuang X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6113067 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature