Cloning, sequencing, expression, and protective capacity of the oma87 gene encoding the Pasteurella multocida 87-kilodalton outer membrane antigen.

Membrane proteins of Pasteurella multocida have been shown previously to elicit protective immunity. We have identified an 87-kDa outer membrane antigen, Oma87, which is present in all 16 serotypes of P. multocida. The gene encoding this protein was cloned and sequenced and found to have significant similarity to the D15 protective surface antigen of Haemophilus influenzae. Oma87 was localized to the outer membrane of the cell, and proteinase K treatment suggested that the protein is surface exposed. Native and recombinant Oma87 were strongly immunostained by convalescent-phase antiserum, indicating that the protein is expressed in vivo. Specific Oma87 antiserum protected mice against homologous, lethal P. multocida challenge. These results suggest that Oma87 is a protective outer membrane antigen of P. multocida.