Hypothetical Protein Cpn0308 Is Localized in the Chlamydia pneumoniae Inclusion Membrane

Abstract

The hypothetical protein encoded by Chlamydia pneumoniae open reading frame cpn0308 was detected in inclusion membranes of C. pneumoniae -infected cells using antibodies raised with Cpn0308 fusion proteins. The anti-Cpn0308 antibodies did not cross-react with IncA, a known C. pneumoniae inclusion membrane protein, although the anti-Cpn0308 antibody staining overlapped with the anti-IncA antibody labeling. The labeling of the inclusion membrane by the anti-Cpn0308 antibody was specifically blocked by the Cpn0308 but not IncA fusion proteins. The Cpn0308 antigen was detectable 24 h after infection and remained in the inclusion membrane throughout the infection course.