Characterization of an immunoprotective protein complex of Anaplasma marginale by cloning and expression of the gene coding for polypeptide Am105L

Immunization with an Anaplasma marginale surface protein complex containing two polypeptides (Am105U and Am105L), each having a molecular weight of 105,000, protected cattle against challenge with virulent organisms. These polypeptides were immunoprecipitated together from detergent extracts of A. marginale by a neutralizing monoclonal antibody. After surface radioiodination of intact parasites, both Am105U and Am105L contained the radiolabel. To define the structural and antigenic relationships between Am105U and Am105L and to determine individual efficacies as protective immunogens, we cloned and expressed A. marginale DNA in Escherichia coli. We identified recombinant bacteria which expressed a novel protein of 105,000 molecular weight as a major cellular component. The recombinant protein was structurally and antigenically homologous to Am105L. There were multiple, partially homologous copies of the cloned DNA sequence in the rickettsial genome.