Molecular and antigenic analysis of treponemes

The treponemes comprise the essentially non-cultivable Treponema pallidum subspecies (agents of syphilis, yaws and other human trepanematoses), the gut pathogen of pigs, T. hydysenteriae, and a group of antigenically related, cultivable species, some of which are strongly implicated in human periodontal or gastrointestinal disease. Technical developments during the last decade have made possible the molecular analysis of components of this diverse group of organisms. Polypeptides and other macromolecular components have been characterized by techniques including electron microscopy, gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting. Antigenic analysis has been greatly enhanced by the use of monoclonal antibodies. Finally, DNA cloning and genetic manipulation have enabled the detailed investigation of important antigens at a genetic, structural and functional level. We examine these developments and provide a current overview of the data now available, which is an important foundation for applications in diagnosis, therapy, and, potentially, immunization against disease.