Treponema pallidum outer membrane proteins: current status and prospects.

The outer membrane proteins (OMPs) of Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum (T. pallidum), the etiological agent of the sexually transmitted disease syphilis, have long been a hot research topic. Despite many hurdles to studying the pathogen, especially the inability to manipulate T. pallidum in vitro genetically, considerable progress has been made in elucidating the structure, pathogenesis and functions of T. pallidum OMPs. In this review, we integrate this information to garner fresh insights into the role of OMPs in the diagnosis, pathogenicity and vaccine development of T. pallidum. Collectively, the essential scientific discussions herein should provide a framework for understanding the current status and prospects of T. pallidum OMPs.