Phage-display antibody detection of Chlamydia trachomatis-associated antigens

A phage-displayed human single-chain Fv antibody library (6.7x10(9) members) was used to select probes specific to components associated with the surface of Chlamydia trachomatis elementary bodies (EBs). Each of 15 antibodies was characterized by ELISA, dot-blot, immunoblot and immunocytochemistry, resulting in the identification of several new chlamydial components associated with the surface of EBs. In addition, six antibodies were specific for host-cell components associated with the surface of EBs. While phage display has been used effectively to produce specific antibodies for purified components, these data show that this technology is suitable for selection of specific probes from complex antigens such as the surface of a microbial pathogen.