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Immuno-fluorescence Assay of Leptospiral Surface-exposed Proteins
Published on: July 1, 2011
Phenotypic variation of Mycoplasma iowae surface antigen
L Fiorentin1, Y Zhang, V S Panangala
1Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária, Centro Nacional de Pesquisa de Suínos e Aves, Concórdia, SC, Brazil.
Abstract:
The diseases caused by mycoplasmas are generally chronic and persistent and apparently occur notwithstanding a host immune response. The ability to evade the host immune response is facilitated by phenotypic variation in the mycoplasma surface components. The avian mycoplasmas Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae have both been previously described to be able to switch their surface antigens, and recent evidence indicates that M. gallisepticum could switch surface antigens under natural conditions in vivo. In this work we present data to support that Mycoplasma iowae is also capable of phenotypic variation as detected by reactions with the monoclonal antibody MAb MI1 on colony immunoblots. This phenomenon is suggested to occur spontaneously or in response to normal serum and tissue components and may play an important role in the evasion of the host immune response.
Insights
Mycoplasma iowae exhibits phenotypic variation in surface antigens, allowing it to evade host immune responses. This variation, detected via monoclonal antibody MI1, occurs spontaneously or when exposed to host components.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Mycoplasma infections cause chronic diseases despite host immune responses.
- Phenotypic variation in mycoplasma surface components aids immune evasion.
- Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae are known to switch surface antigens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate phenotypic variation in Mycoplasma iowae.
- To determine if Mycoplasma iowae can switch surface antigens.
- To explore the role of phenotypic variation in Mycoplasma iowae's immune evasion.
Main Methods:
- Colony immunoblots using monoclonal antibody MAb MI1.
- Detection of phenotypic variation in Mycoplasma iowae colonies.
Main Results:
- Mycoplasma iowae demonstrated phenotypic variation when tested with MAb MI1.
- Variation was observed spontaneously and in response to serum/tissue components.
- This suggests Mycoplasma iowae possesses antigen-switching capabilities.
Conclusions:
- Mycoplasma iowae exhibits phenotypic variation, similar to other avian mycoplasmas.
- This variation likely contributes to Mycoplasma iowae's ability to evade host immunity.
- Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms and implications of this variation.
