Mu-like Prophage in serogroup B Neisseria meningitidis coding for surface-exposed antigens.
Sequence analysis of the genome of Neisseria meningititdis serogroup B revealed the presence of an approximately 35-kb region inserted within a putative gene coding for an ABC-type transporter. The region contains 46 open reading frames, 29 of which are colinear and homologous to the genes of Escherichia coli Mu phage. Two prophages with similar organizations were also found in serogroup A meningococcus, and one was found in Haemophilus influenzae. Early and late phage functions are well preserved in this family of Mu-like prophages. Several regions of atypical nucleotide content were identified. These likely represent genes acquired by horizontal transfer. Three of the acquired genes are shown to code for surface-associated antigens, and the encoded proteins are able to induce bactericidal antibodies.
Department of Molecular Biology, IRIS, Chiron S.p.A., 53100 Siena, Italy.
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Masignani
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Giuliani
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Tettelin
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Comanducci
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Rappuoli
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Scarlato
D018528:ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / Q000235:genetics; D000818:Animals; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics*; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000235:genetics; D010583:Bacteriophage mu / Q000235:genetics*; D017124:Conserved Sequence; D022761:Gene Transfer, Horizontal; D006193:Haemophilus influenzae / Q000235:genetics / Q000821:virology; D051379:Mice; D009345:Neisseria meningitidis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology*; D016366:Open Reading Frames; D011533:Proviruses / Q000235:genetics*; D012703:Serotyping
D018528:ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D000954:Antigens, Surface