SB2013 L04gr5: Difference between revisions

The variable regions are an important component of the variable domain of VlsE. These regions have relatively high surface exposure, which accounts for approximately 37% of the total surface area of the crystallized protein [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monomer monomer] (Eicken 2002). The strategic location of the variable regions has been implicated in protecting the highly conserved invariable regions from antibody binding. These regions, which are almost completely buried within the membrane distal region, are surrounded by the protective loops of the variable regions.  

The variable regions’ location also supports the potential role that the protein plays in evading host immune responses through [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gene_conversion gene conversion] (Zhang and Norris 1998). These regions are hypothesized to expose highly variable [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epitopes epitopes], which would prevent the immune system from recognizing the antigen and subsequently prevent the onset of Lyme disease (Eicken 2002). This feature starkly contrasts to that of the invariable regions, which does not undergo constant variation and whose genetic composition remains mostly conserved (Zhang and Norris 1998).