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Serotyping isolates of Anaplasma phagocytophilum by using monoclonal antibodies
Hisashi Inokuma1, Philippe Brouqui, J Stephen Dumler
1Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Yamaguchi University, 753-8515 Yamaguchi, Japan.
Abstract:
Ten mouse monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) that react with Anaplasma phagocytophilum (the human granulocytic ehrlichiosis agent) Webster isolates were developed. Seven different isolates of A. phagocytophilum were subtyped with these MAbs. Western blot analysis revealed that these MAbs reacted mainly with 41- to 46-kDa Msp2 proteins. Six MAbs reacted with all isolates. Four other MAbs reacted with human isolates from Wisconsin, but not with human isolates from New York or with animal isolates. Three different serotypes were identified. These features may lead to the development of other specific MAbs in order to provide tools for antigenic characterization of human isolates of A. phagocytophilum.
Insights
Researchers developed ten monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to characterize Anaplasma phagocytophilum, identifying three distinct serotypes. These MAbs target Msp2 proteins and can differentiate human and animal isolates, aiding in diagnostic tool development.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- Anaplasma phagocytophilum causes human granulocytic ehrlichiosis.
- Characterizing different isolates is crucial for understanding disease transmission and developing diagnostics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) for Anaplasma phagocytophilum.
- To subtype A. phagocytophilum isolates using developed MAbs.
Main Methods:
- Production of ten mouse monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against A. phagocytophilum.
- Subtyping of seven A. phagocytophilum isolates.
- Western blot analysis to identify MAb targets.
Main Results:
- MAbs primarily reacted with 41- to 46-kDa Msp2 proteins.
- Six MAbs recognized all tested isolates.
- Four MAbs differentiated human isolates from Wisconsin from those in New York and animal isolates, revealing three serotypes.
Conclusions:
- Developed MAbs are valuable tools for antigenic characterization of A. phagocytophilum.
- Identification of distinct serotypes aids in understanding isolate diversity.
- Further development of specific MAbs can enhance diagnostic capabilities.
