title: Solution structure of the factor H-binding protein, a survival factor and protective antigen of Neisseria meningitidis.
abstract: Factor H-binding protein is a 27-kDa lipoprotein of Neisseria meningitidis discovered while screening the bacterial genome for vaccine candidates. In addition to being an important component of a vaccine against meningococcus in late stage of development, the protein is essential for pathogenesis because it allows the bacterium to survive and grow in human blood by binding the human complement factor H. We recently reported the solution structure of the C-terminal domain of factor H-binding protein, which contains the immunodominant epitopes. In the present study, we report the structure of the full-length molecule, determined by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The protein is composed of two independent barrels connected by a short link. Mapping the residues recognized by monoclonal antibodies with bactericidal or factor H binding inhibition properties allowed us to predict the sites involved in the function of the protein. The structure therefore provides the basis for designing improved vaccine molecules.
authors.affiliation: Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), F50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Cantini
authors.forename: Daniele
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Veggi
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dragonetti
authors.forename: Silvana
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Savino
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Scarselli
authors.forename: Giacomo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Romagnoli
authors.forename: Mariagrazia
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pizza
authors.forename: Lucia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Banci
authors.forename: Rino
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rappuoli
mesh_terms: D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D008958:Models, Molecular; D009345:Neisseria meningitidis / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D019906:Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Biomolecular; D020836:Protein Structure, Quaternary; D017433:Protein Structure, Secondary; D017434:Protein Structure, Tertiary
chemical_list: D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D001426:Bacterial Proteins; C484699:factor H-binding protein, Neisseria meningitidis