Rickettsia conorii ompA

Rickettsia conorii ompA is the Outer Membrane Protein A of Rickettsia conorii, the bacterium that causes Mediterranean spotted fever-a tick-borne rickettsial disease. As a key outer membrane protein of this obligate intracellular bacterium, ompA plays multiple roles: it maintains the structural integrity of the bacterial outer membrane, mediates bacterial adhesion to host cells (e.g., endothelial cells), and facilitates bacterial entry into host cells-critical steps for establishing intracellular infection. OmpA also interacts with host cell components to modulate cellular processes, supporting bacterial replication within host cells. It exhibits immunogenicity, stimulating the host's immune system to produce specific antibodies. These antibodies are used in diagnostic assays (e.g., immunofluorescence assays) to detect Rickettsia conorii infections. Additionally, ompA is a potential candidate for vaccines against Mediterranean spotted fever, as targeting it may inhibit adhesion and entry, preventing intracellular infection.