Analysis of Polymorphic Membrane Protein Expression in Cultured Cells Identifies PmpA and PmpH of Chlamydia psittaci
Sarah Van Lent1, Winnok H De Vos2,3, Heather Huot Creasy4
1Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
Abstract:
The polymorphic membrane protein (Pmp) paralogous families of Chlamydia trachomatis, Chlamydia pneumoniae and Chlamydia abortus are putative targets for Chlamydia vaccine development. To determine whether this is also the case for Pmp family members of C. psittaci, we analyzed transcription levels, protein production and localization of several Pmps of C. psittaci. Pmp expression profiles were characterized using quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR), immunofluorescence (IF) and immuno-electron microscopy (IEM) under normal and stress conditions. We found that PmpA was highly produced in all inclusions as early as 12 hpi in all biological replicates. In addition, PmpA and PmpH appeared to be unusually accessible to antibody as determined by both immunofluorescence and immuno-electron microscopy. Our results suggest an important role for these Pmps in the pathogenesis of C. psittaci, and make them promising candidates in vaccine development.
Insights
Polymorphic membrane proteins (Pmps) of Chlamydia psittaci, particularly PmpA and PmpH, are highly produced and accessible, suggesting their potential as vaccine targets for Chlamydia infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- Polymorphic membrane proteins (Pmps) are key targets for Chlamydia vaccine development.
- The role of Pmps in Chlamydia psittaci pathogenesis and vaccine potential is largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression, production, and localization of C. psittaci Pmps.
- To assess the potential of C. psittaci Pmps as vaccine candidates.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) for transcription analysis.
- Immunofluorescence (IF) and immuno-electron microscopy (IEM) for protein localization and accessibility.
- Analysis under normal and stress conditions.
Main Results:
- PmpA was highly produced early in infection (12 hpi).
- PmpA and PmpH showed unusual accessibility to antibodies.
- Expression profiles varied under different conditions.
Conclusions:
- PmpA and PmpH play significant roles in C. psittaci pathogenesis.
- These Pmps are promising candidates for Chlamydia vaccine development.
