SB2013 L04gr5: Difference between revisions
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=Conclusion= | =Conclusion= | ||
VlsE is thus an important virulence factor of ''B. burgdorferi''. Through the gene conversion mechanism of the variable regions and the simultaneous protecting of the highly conserved invariable regions, the lipoprotein is able to effectively avoid the antibodies of the host immune system. These roles of VlsE are critical to the survival of the spirochete, as demonstrated by the decreased infectivity of ''B. burgdorferi'' upon the removal of the locus for VlsE | VlsE is thus an important virulence factor of ''B. burgdorferi''. Through the gene conversion mechanism of the variable regions and the simultaneous protecting of the highly conserved invariable regions, the lipoprotein is able to effectively avoid the antibodies of the host immune system. These roles of VlsE are critical to the survival of the spirochete, as demonstrated by the decreased infectivity of ''B. burgdorferi'' upon the removal of the locus for VlsE.<ref name="Bankhead and Chaconas" /> | ||
Though VlsE has been the object of intense scrutiny by researchers, there is still much to be understood. Future experiments may include further studies of the invariable regions, with a specific focus on IR6. IR6 is known to be highly conserved and thus, elicit immunogenic responses in the host once it is exposed. However, the function of IR6 for the survival of the spirochete is unknown. Focusing on how the invariable regions contribute to the virulence of ''B. borgdorferi'' may continue to increase our understanding of the function of VlsE. | Though VlsE has been the object of intense scrutiny by researchers, there is still much to be understood. Future experiments may include further studies of the invariable regions, with a specific focus on IR6. IR6 is known to be highly conserved and thus, elicit immunogenic responses in the host once it is exposed. However, the function of IR6 for the survival of the spirochete is unknown. Focusing on how the invariable regions contribute to the virulence of ''B. borgdorferi'' may continue to increase our understanding of the function of VlsE. | ||