D-methionine-binding lipoprotein (MetQ) (MetQ)

NGO0265, also known as MetQ, is a surface-exposed D-methionine-binding lipoprotein in Neisseria gonorrhoeae (UniProt Q5F962). It functions as the substrate-binding component of an ABC transporter system responsible for the high-affinity uptake of methionine, an essential nutrient for bacterial metabolism and survival during infection (Zielke et al., 2014). Because it is highly conserved across diverse gonococcal strains and accessible to the immune system, NGO0265 is a primary candidate for the development of a recombinant protein vaccine against gonorrhea (Zielke et al., 2016). Research indicates that antibodies directed against MetQ can promote serum bactericidal activity and opsonophagocytic killing of the pathogen (Semchenko et al., 2019). Given the rise of multidrug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae, targeting conserved surface proteins like MetQ represents a critical strategy for infection control.

Other names

NGO0265D-methionine-binding proteinABC transporter substrate-binding proteinLipoprotein MetQ

Vaccine-induced antibodies target the surface-exposed MetQ protein to facilitate opsonophagocytosis or neutralize the bacterium's ability to acquire essential nutrients.