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Peptide Scanning-assisted Identification of a Monoclonal Antibody-recognized Linear B-cell Epitope
Published on: March 24, 2017
A cross-reactive neisserial antigen encoded by the NMB0035 locus shows high sequence conservation but variable
Jesús Arenas1, Ana Abel1, Sandra Sánchez1
1Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Campus Sur, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
Journal of Medical Microbiology
|December 11, 2007
Summary
The meningococcal NMB0035 outer-membrane protein is antigenically conserved but shows variable surface accessibility among strains. This variability, potentially due to molecular masking, impacts its potential as a vaccine candidate.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Vaccine Development
Background:
- The meningococcal NMB0035 locus encodes a conserved 47 kDa outer-membrane protein.
- This protein elicits antibodies during infection and demonstrates in vitro bactericidal activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the surface exposure of the NMB0035 protein across different Neisseria strains.
- To investigate factors influencing antigen accessibility for potential vaccine development.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry assays using specific antibodies to assess surface protein exposure.
- Nucleotide sequencing of the NMB0035 gene in 33 Neisseria strains.
- Genomic analysis of nucleotide and amino acid sequences.
Main Results:
- Genomic analysis showed high conservation of nucleotide and amino acid sequences for NMB0035.
- Flow cytometry revealed significant variability in the surface accessibility of the NMB0035 protein among strains.
- This suggests masking by lipo-oligosaccharides or other membrane molecules affects antigen exposure.
Conclusions:
- Surface accessibility of the NMB0035 protein is not solely determined by sequence conservation.
- Molecular masking by other membrane components is critical for antigen accessibility.
- Thorough analysis of antigen accessibility is essential for evaluating new vaccine candidates.
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Overview
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Antigen receptors are essential components of the immune system crucial in defending the body against foreign invaders. These receptors are present on the surface of B and T cells, enabling them to recognize antigens and mount an appropriate immune response.
Before encountering any antigen, lymphocytes express these receptors. On B cells, the antigen receptor is a membrane-bound antibody molecule called BCR; on T cells, it is a T cell receptor or TCR. B and T cell receptors are composed of two...
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01:26Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity
An antigen is any substance the immune system identifies as foreign and potentially harmful to the body, prompting an immune response. Antigens have two functional properties: immunogenicity and reactivity. Immunogenicity is the ability of an antigen to stimulate a specific immune response. At the same time, reactivity describes the antigen's ability to react with the cells and antibodies produced in response to it.
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and reactivity.
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and reactivity.