The RgpA-Kgp proteinase-adhesin complex and virulence of Porphyromonas gingivalis

牙周炎是一种与细菌有关的牙齿支撑组织炎症性疾病，可导致牙齿脱落。这种疾病是一个重大的公共卫生问题，具有巨大的经济负担。一种细菌牙龈卟啉单胞菌现已被确定为慢性牙周炎的主要病原体。我们已经确定了牙龈假单胞菌的主要毒力因子。这种毒力因子是一种蛋白质复合物，由两个基因编码，参与结合和破坏宿主组织。当在动物模型中作为疫苗使用时，蛋白质复合物可以防止牙龈卟啉菌感染。动物保护性血清识别与宿主底物结合的蛋白质复合物的一部分。该项目的目的是继续研究该复合物的特征及其在毒力中的作用，最终开发出一种基于该蛋白复合物的针对牙龈卟啉菌的确定疫苗，特别是涉及结合的序列。这项研究的预期结果是进一步的RgpA-Kgp蛋白复合物的生化特征及其在毒力中的作用，以及使用重组DNA和化学合成技术制备的确定疫苗的开发，该疫苗可以在动物疾病模型中保护牙龈假单胞菌免受感染。

Periodontitis is a bacterial-associated inflammatory disease of the supporting tissues of the teeth which can result in tooth loss. The disease is a major public health problem with a large economic burden. A bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis has now been identified as a major causative agent of chronic periodontitis. We have identified a major virulence factor of P. gingivalis. This virulence factor is a complex of proteins, encoded by two genes, and is involved in binding and destruction of host tissue. When used as a vaccine in animal models the protein complex protects against P. gingivalis infection. Animal protective sera recognises a segment of the protein complex involved in binding to host substrates. The aim of this project is to continue this work on the characterisation of this complex and its role in virulence in an approach to ultimately develop a defined vaccine against P. gingivalis based on this protein complex, in particular the sequences involved in binding. The expected outcome of this research is the further biochemical characterisation of the RgpA-Kgp protein complex and its role in virulence as well as development of a defined vaccine prepared using recombinant DNA and chemical synthesis techniques that protects against P. gingivalis infection in animal models of disease.