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. 1994 Jan;62(1):303–307. doi: 10.1128/iai.62.1.303-307.1994

Variations in the ospB gene of Borrelia burgdorferi result in differences in monoclonal antibody reactivity and in production of escape variants.

J L Coleman 1, R C Rogers 1, P A Rosa 1, J L Benach 1
PMCID: PMC186101  PMID: 7505260

Abstract

An escape variant of Borrelia burgdorferi, selected with a monoclonal antibody to OspB, expressed a truncated form of OspB, the result of point mutations in the ospB gene leading to a premature termination codon. A single amino acid position in the C terminus of OspB was critical for monoclonal antibody recognition. The variations in the ospB gene suggest a mechanism for the evasion of the immune response by these organisms and may also have implications for current diagnostic and vaccine efforts.

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Selected References

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