Thermo Fisher Scientific VlsE Polyclonal Antibody

Applications and Tested Dilution

Product Specifications

Product Specific Information

Store vial at 4°C prior to restoration. For extended storage, aliquot contents and freeze at -20°C or below. Avoid freeze/thaw cycles. Centrifuge product if not completely clear after standing at room temperature. This product is stable for several weeks at 4°C as an undiluted liquid. Dilute only prior to immediate use.

This antibody is specific for Borrelia burgdorferi VlsE protein. A BLAST analysis suggests reactivity with VlsE from B. burgdorferi sources based on 100% homology with the immunizing sequence. Cross-reactivity with VlsE from other sources has not been determined.

Target Information

Variable Lipoprotein Surface-Exposed protein (VlsE) is a lipoprotein on the surface of the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, detectable during all its life stages. It exists in multiple isoforms with variable (VR) and invariable regions (IR). Some IRs are membrane-anchored, while others are exposed antigens. Replacement of VRs in the mammalian host allows Borrelia to evade immune detection by presenting new surface antigens.

VlsE is less modified in tick or rodent vectors compared to mammalian hosts. Several envelope proteins of B. burgdorferi are expressed only in infected mammals. The VR loops, coded by antigenic cassettes, form irregular shapes that can hide adjacent proteins from immune cells. At least fifteen different VlsE cassettes can insert into variable regions, generating millions of antigenic variants. Similar mechanisms exist for OSP-A, OSP-B, and OSP-C proteins.

The IR6 region of VlsE (C6) consistently elicits a strong immune response and is used in ELISA assays for early IgM detection in Lyme disease diagnosis.

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures. Not for resale without express authorization.