Response of Neisseria meningitidis to iron limitation.
In the human body, the concentration of free iron is limiting for bacterial growth, since iron is bound to transport and storage proteins such as transferrin and lactoferrin. When grown under iron starvation, Neisseria meningitidis produces receptors for these proteins in the outer membrane. These receptors are presently being characterized at the molecular level. Here, we summarize our current knowledge of these receptors, with special emphasis on the LbpA and FrpB proteins, which are studied in our laboratories. Furthermore, the genetic and antigenic variability of these proteins and their vaccine potential are discussed.
Pettersson
A
A
Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Utrecht University, The Netherlands.
Poolman
J T
JT
van der Ley
P
P
Tommassen
J
J
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D001425:Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D001428:Bacterial Vaccines; D005798:Genes, Bacterial; D007501:Iron / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009345:Neisseria meningitidis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D017433:Protein Structure, Secondary; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D011990:Receptors, Transferrin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
D001425:Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins; D001428:Bacterial Vaccines; C093120:FrpB protein, bacteria; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D011990:Receptors, Transferrin; C038340:lactoferrin receptors; D007501:Iron