Update on the Neisseria Macrophage Infectivity Potentiator-Like PPIase Protein

pathogens express a Macrophage Infectivity Potentiator Protein (MIP), which belongs to the FK506 binding protein (FKBP) family of proteins that exhibit peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase (PPIase) activity. MIP proteins are potential candidates for inclusion into vaccines for gonorrhoea caused by infection, and meningitis/sepsis caused by infection. MIP proteins are also potential targets for directed drug treatments, although this remains relatively unexplored. In this mini-review, we provide an update into the vaccine potential of MIP and the few published drug targeting studies, and explore further the diversity of this protein amongst both pathogenic and commensal spp.