Sequence divergence in the Treponema denticola FhbB protein and its impact on factor H binding. (22nd April 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Miller, D.P.; McDowell, J.V.; Rhodes, D.V.; Allard, A.; Caimano, M.; Bell, J.K.; Marconi, R.T.
• Is Part Of: Molecular oral microbiology. Volume 28:Number 4(2013:Aug.)
• Page Start: 316
• Page End: 330
• Publication Date: 2013-04-22
• Subjects: Mouth -- Microbiology -- Periodicals; Respiratory infections -- Microbiology -- Periodicals; Mouth -- Diseases -- Immunological aspects -- Periodicals; 617.522
• DOI: 10.1111/omi.12027
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2041-1006

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" xml:lang="en" id="omi12027-abs-0001"> <title>Summary</title> <p> <italic>Treponema denticola</italic> is an anaerobic spirochete whose abundance in the subgingival crevice correlates with the development and severity of periodontal disease. The ability of <italic>T. denticola</italic> to survive and thrive in the hostile environment of the periodontal pocket is due, at least in part, to its ability to bind factor H (FH), a negative regulator of the alternative complement pathway. The FH binding protein of <italic>T. denticola</italic> has been identified as FhbB and its atomic structure has been determined. The interaction of FH with <italic>T. denticola</italic> is unique in that FH bound to the cell surface is cleaved by the <italic>T. denticola</italic> protease, dentilisin. It has been postulated that FH cleavage by <italic>T. denticola</italic> leads to immune dysregulation in periodontal pockets. In this study, we conduct a comparative assessment of the sequence, properties, structure and ligand binding kinetics of the FhbB proteins of strains 33521 and 35405. The biological outcome of the interaction of these strains with FH could differ significantly as 33521 lacks dentilisin activity. The data presented here offer insight into our understanding of the interactions of <italic>T. denticola</italic> with the host and its potential to influence disease progression.</p> </abstract>