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From Proteopedia
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VlsE is shown to be composed of four sub-units, each consisting of a variable domain flanked by two invariable domains (Liang). The variable domains themselves contain six variable regions (VR) interspersed amongst six invariable regions (IR). The IRs are embedded deep within the protein covered by alpha helical loops. They are shielded by the VRs. | VlsE is shown to be composed of four sub-units, each consisting of a variable domain flanked by two invariable domains (Liang). The variable domains themselves contain six variable regions (VR) interspersed amongst six invariable regions (IR). The IRs are embedded deep within the protein covered by alpha helical loops. They are shielded by the VRs. | ||
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==Antigenicity== | ==Antigenicity== | ||
Revision as of 19:17, 14 August 2012
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*This representation of VlsE illustrates the only crystal structure available on the PDB site. |
Contents |
VlsE
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The causative agent of Lyme disease, a multi-stage infection, is a family of spirochetes found in the guts of Ixodes ticks. The Variable Major Protein (VMP)-like sequence Expressed (VlsE) is the specific outer-surface lipoprotein that enables the spirochete to evade immune response through mechanisms of antigenic variation. In addition to inducing a strong immune response in the host, VlsE is useful in the serodiagnosis of Lyme disease (Eicken et al.).
Structural Overview
VlsE is shown to be composed of four sub-units, each consisting of a variable domain flanked by two invariable domains (Liang). The variable domains themselves contain six variable regions (VR) interspersed amongst six invariable regions (IR). The IRs are embedded deep within the protein covered by alpha helical loops. They are shielded by the VRs.
Variable
Invariable
Antigenicity
Function in Immune System Evasion
The contributions that VlsE brings to immune evasion of Lyme Disease in B. Burgderfori is based on the variability of said protein. The variable domain keeps the immune system guessing by constantly changing the their side chains. The variable region also protects the invariable region where antibodies generally target in order to help in phagocytosis. There in fact only three antibody chains that can bind to the most consistently active invariable region IR6. Even though the invariable regions take up most of the gene casette the variable region takes up a lot of the surface area. This variability is the reason why VlsE is located on membrane of the bacterium of Lyme disease.
Clinical Application
See Also
Additional Links
Antigenic Variation
Lyme Disease
