Pasteurella multocida contains multiple immunogenic haemin- and haemoglobin-binding proteins

Montserrat Bosch1, M Elena Garrido, Ana M Pérez de Rozas

  • 1Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain.

Insights

Iron-dependent outer membrane proteins (IROMPs) are key in Pasteurella multocida pathogenesis. While antibodies target these receptors, single IROMPs do not confer protection against infection.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Bacterial Pathogenesis

Background:

  • Iron-dependent outer membrane proteins (IROMPs) are crucial for bacterial survival and virulence.
  • These proteins are potential targets for vaccine development against bacterial infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize iron-dependent outer membrane proteins in Pasteurella multocida Pm70.
  • To evaluate the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of these receptors as vaccine candidates.

Main Methods:

  • TBLASTN analysis of the P. multocida Pm70 genome to identify putative IROMPs.
  • Quantitative binding assays to assess haemin and haemoglobin binding.
  • Western blot analysis to detect host antibody responses in infected mice.

Main Results:

  • Eight putative haemin and/or haemoglobin receptors were identified in P. multocida.
  • Seven proteins (PM0040, PM0236, PM0741, PM1081, PM1428, PM0592, HgbA) bound both haemin and haemoglobin.
  • Infection elicited specific antibodies against these receptors, but single receptor immunization did not protect mice.

Conclusions:

  • P. multocida utilizes multiple IROMPs for iron acquisition.
  • While immunogenic, individual IROMPs are insufficient for protective immunity against P. multocida infection.
  • Further research into combination vaccines targeting multiple IROMPs may be warranted.