CRASP

CRASP is the acronym for "complement regulator-acquiring surface proteins", and the name for several lipoproteins of B. burgdorferi.

Complement activation plays an important role in the elimination of invading microorganisms. Borrelia (B.) burgdorferi sensu lato, the causative agent of Lyme borreliosis, can evade complement-mediated killing. The mechanism of complement resistance of B. burgdorferi sensu stricto apparently depends on the expression of several external surface proteins (CRASPs: complement regulator-acquiring surface proteins). These surface proteins are able to bind components of the complement regulatory system, namely factor H and/or factor H-like protein 1 (FHL-1), two important regulators of the alternative complement pathway (Kraiczy P et al. 2004).

1. Kraiczy P et al. (2004) Immunological characterization of the complement regulator factor H-binding CRASP and Erp proteins of Borrelia burgdorferi. Int J Med Microbiol 293 Suppl 37:152-7.