Spore coat protein CotB (CotB)

Spore coat protein CotB is a primary structural component of the outer coat of Bacillus subtilis spores, essential for the assembly and environmental resilience of the dormant cell (UniProt P07788). It is synthesized as a 46 kDa precursor (CotB-46) and undergoes post-translational modification to a 66 kDa form (CotB-66), a process requiring the morphogenetic proteins CotH and CotG (PubMed: 10411740). CotB contributes to the protective barrier that shields the spore's genetic material from heat, UV radiation, and chemical stress (ASM: 10.1128/JB.185.1.170-177.2003). In pharmaceutical research, CotB is not a direct target for drug inhibition but serves as a versatile anchor for spore surface display (SSD) technology (Frontiers: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.954356). This platform allows for the presentation of antigens from pathogens such as Clostridium difficile and Toxoplasma gondii, facilitating the development of stable oral vaccines (PubMed: 21148439). Additionally, CotB-based systems have been engineered to deliver chemotherapeutic agents like paclitaxel and cisplatin to specific sites, such as colon cancer cells, by utilizing fusion proteins like streptavidin to bind targeting antibodies (Sporegen). The use of CotB is favored due to the non-pathogenic nature and Generally Regarded as Safe (GRAS) status of B. subtilis (MDPI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16010071).

Other names

Spore coat protein BCotB-66CotB-46Outer spore coat protein BYwrG

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