RagA and RagB proteins are major components of the outer membrane of the oral pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis and, while recently suggested to represent a novel peptide uptake system, their full function is still under investigation. Herein, we (a) discuss the evidence that the rag locus contributes to P. gingivalis virulence; (b) provide insight to Rag protein potential biological function in macromolecular transport and other aspects of bacterial physiology; (c) address the host response to Rag proteins which are immunodominant and immunomodulatory; and (d) review the potential of Rag-focused therapeutic strategies for the control of periodontal diseases.

中文翻译：

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牙龈卟啉单胞菌的 RagA 和 RagB 蛋白

RagA 和 RagB 蛋白是口腔病原体牙龈卟啉单胞菌外膜的主要成分，虽然最近被建议代表一种新的肽摄取系统，但它们的全部功能仍在研究中。在这里，我们 (a) 讨论了rag基因座有助于P. gingivalis毒力的证据；(b) 深入了解 Rag 蛋白在大分子转运和细菌生理学其他方面的潜在生物学功能；(c) 解决宿主对免疫显性和免疫调节的 Rag 蛋白的反应；(d) 审查以 Rag 为重点的治疗策略在控制牙周病方面的潜力。