Expression and purification of recombinant type IV fimbrial subunit protein of Pasteurella multocida serogroup B:2 in Escherichia coli

Pasteurella multocida serogroup B:2, a causative agent of haemorrhagic secpticaemia (HS) in cattle and buffalo especially in tropical regions of Asia and African countries, is known to possess a type IV fimbriae (pili) as one of the virulent factors. In the present study, ptfA gene encoding for type IV fimbrial subunit of P. multocida serogroup B:2 (strain p52), an Indian HS vaccine strain, has been cloned and over-expressed in recombinant Escherichia coli. The recombinant type IV fimbrial subunit protein (∼31 kDa) including N-terminus histidine tag was purified under denaturing condition and confirmed by western blotting. A homology model of HS causing P. multocida serogroup B:2 fimbrial subunit has also been discussed. The study indicated the potential possibilities to use the recombinant fimbrial protein in developing HS subunit vaccine along with suitable adjuvant.