A Chromosomally Encoded Virulence Factor Protects the Lyme Disease Pathogen against Host-Adaptive Immunity
Author Information
Author(s): Yang Xiuli, Coleman Adam S., Anguita Juan, Pal Utpal
Primary Institution: Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States of America
Hypothesis
Does the lmp1 gene in Borrelia burgdorferi play a critical role in the pathogen's ability to evade host immune responses and establish persistent infection?
Conclusion
The lmp1 gene is essential for the virulence of Borrelia burgdorferi, as its deletion impairs the pathogen's ability to persist in murine tissues and induce disease.
Supporting Evidence
- Deletion of the lmp1 gene severely impaired the pathogen's ability to persist in murine tissues.
- Mice infected with lmp1-deficient Borrelia burgdorferi showed reduced disease symptoms.
- Antibodies against Lmp1 were detected in both infected mice and humans.
- Lmp1 was expressed at high levels in the murine heart during early infection.
- Complementation of the lmp1 gene restored the pathogen's virulence.
- Lmp1 contributes to the pathogen's resistance against host-acquired immune responses.
Takeaway
The study found that a specific gene in the Lyme disease bacteria helps it survive in the body and avoid the immune system, which is important for causing illness.
Methodology
The researchers used quantitative RT-PCR to analyze gene expression in infected murine tissues and created lmp1-deficient mutants to assess their infectivity.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on murine models, which may not fully replicate human Lyme disease pathology.
Participant Demographics
C3H/HeN mice were used in the study.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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