Cell surface protein antigens of Porphyromonas gingivalis

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Periodontitis is a bacterial-associated disease of the supporting structures of the teeth and can result in tooth loss. The disease is classified as a major public health problem with an enormous economic burden. A bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis has now been identified as a major causative agent of periodontitis in adults. We have developed methods to rapidly identify all the surface protein antigens of P. gingivalis using mass spectrometry and then using recombinant DNA technology to express these recombinant antigens for testing in animal models of disease. The aim of this project is: (i) to rapidly identify cell surface protein antigens of P. gingivalis using novel techniques. (ii) prepare these antigens using recombinant DNA technology. (iii) use patient and healthy subject sera as well as animal antisera to screen the recombinant antigens for suitable candidates for an immunodiagnostic product and-or vaccine. (iv) test the recombinant antigens in animal models of disease in an approach to identify a candidate antigen for a vaccine. The expected outcomes of this research are that (i) we will develop techniques that can be used to characterise the cell surface antigens of any pathogenic bacterium. (ii) we will determine the organisation and the structure of the cell surface proteins of P. gingivalis. (iii) we will identify an abundant, unique and immunogenic protein of the P. gingivalis surface that will be a suitable candidate antigen for the development of a sensitive and specific immunodiagnostic. (iv) we will identify a cell surface antigen that when used as a vaccine in animals prevents disease caused by P. gingivalis.