The Mycoplasma gallisepticum α-enolase is cell surface-exposed and mediates adherence by binding to chicken plasminogen

► Mycoplasma gallisepticum α-enolase gene was expressed in Escherichia coli successfully. ► Purified recombinant enolase exhibited α-enolase catalytic activity. ► Immunoblotting and IFA identified α-enolase on the surface of M. gallisepticum cells. ► ELISA characterized recombinant enolase as a chicken plasminogen binding protein. Antiserum against M. gallisepticum α-enolase inhibited the adherence to DF-1 cells.