Omp85 proteins of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Neisseria meningitidis are similar to Haemophilus influenzae D-15-Ag and Pasteurella multocida Oma87.

The genes encoding homologous 85 kDa outer membrane proteins of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Neisseria meningitidis have been cloned and sequenced. The gonococcal gene, omp85, was identified by screening a genomic library with an antiserum raised against purified gonococcal outer membranes. The gene encoded a 792 amino acid protein, Omp85, having a typical signal peptide and a carboxyl-terminal phenylalanine characteristic of outer membrane proteins. The amino acid sequence was similar to that of the D15 protective surface antigen (D-15-Ag) of Haemophilus influenzae, and the Oma87 of Pasteurella multocida. Southern analysis demonstrated that omp85 was present as a single copy in N. gonorrhoeae and N. meningitidis. PCR amplification was used to obtain a clone of the N. meningitidis omp85 homologue. Sequence analysis revealed that the N. meningitidis Omp85 was 95% identical to the N. gonorrhoeae Omp85.