Background & Objectives: The identification of Brucella spp. antigens with the capacity to elicit a protective immune response is of the great interest for the researchers. So, characterization and assessment of diverse antigens of Brucella need to be evaluated. In this study, we report the cloning and expression of the gene coding for 31 KDa OMP (OMP31) of Brucella melitensis 16M.

  Methods: Brucella melitensis Omp31 gene was amplified with specific primers, cloned into pJET1/2 and subsequently subcloned in pET28a (+) vector. Both these recombinant plasmids were sequenced and then after, expression of recombinant protein was induced by 1mM IPTG. Western blot analysis was also performed by polyclonal rabbit antiserum.

  Results: Omp31 successfully was cloned in both plasmid vectors. The recombinant Omp31 was expressed in E.coli host and purified with significant yield. Western blot results along with those of sequencing ensured accurate production of recombinant omp31 and retaining of its partial epitopes.

  Conclusion: Our results show that, an expression host such as E. coli is suitable for omp31 production.