Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 23, 2026
Antigen-Capture Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Specific Detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Published on: February 24, 2023
Detection of human antibodies binding with smooth and rough LPSs from Proteus mirabilis O3 strains S1959, R110, R45
J Gleńska-Olender1,2, K Durlik1, I Konieczna1
1Institute of Biology, Jan Kochanowski University, 25-406, Kielce, Poland.
Abstract:
Bacteria of the genus Proteus of the family Enterobacteriaceae are facultative human pathogens responsible mainly for urinary tract and wound infections, bacteremia and the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We have analyzed and compared by ELISA the titer of antibodies in plasmas of healthy individuals and in sera of rheumatoid arthritis patients recognizing a potential host cross-reactive epitope (lysine-galacturonic acid epitopes) present in Proteus lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In our experiments LPSs isolated from two mutants of smooth Proteus mirabilis 1959 (O3), i.e. strains R110 and R45, were used. R110 (Ra type mutant) is lacking the O-specific polysaccharide, but possesses a complete core oligosaccharide, while R45 (Re type) has a reduced core oligosaccharide and contains two 3-deoxy-D-manno-oct-2-ulosonic acid residues and one of 4-amino-4-deoxy-L-arabinopyranose residues. Titer of P. mirabilis S1959 LPS-specific-antibodies increased with the age of blood donors. RA and blood donors' sera contained antibodies against S and Ra and Re type of P. mirabilis O3 LPSs. Antibodies recognizing lysine-galacturonic acid epitopes of O3 LPS were detected by ELISA in some plasmas of healthy individuals and sera of rheumatoid arthritis patients. RA patients antibodies reacting with P. mirabilis S1959 S and R LPSs may indicate a potential role of anti-LPS antibodies in molecular mimicry in RA diseases.
Insights
Proteus bacteria can cause infections and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study found antibodies recognizing Proteus lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in both healthy individuals and RA patients, suggesting a role in molecular mimicry in RA.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Proteus bacteria are facultative pathogens linked to urinary tract infections, bacteremia, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
- Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Proteus species contains epitopes that may cross-react with host antigens.
- Molecular mimicry is a proposed mechanism in the pathogenesis of RA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare antibody titers against Proteus mirabilis lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in healthy individuals and RA patients.
- To investigate the presence of antibodies recognizing specific lysine-galacturonic acid epitopes in Proteus LPS.
- To explore the potential role of anti-LPS antibodies in molecular mimicry in RA.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to quantify antibody titers.
- LPS from wild-type and mutant strains of Proteus mirabilis (O3) were utilized.
- Antibodies were analyzed in plasmas from healthy blood donors and sera from RA patients.
Main Results:
- Antibody titers against Proteus mirabilis LPS increased with age in blood donors.
- Both healthy individuals and RA patients possessed antibodies against different forms of Proteus O3 LPS (smooth, Ra, and Re types).
- Antibodies targeting lysine-galacturonic acid epitopes were detected in both groups, with potential implications for RA.
Conclusions:
- Antibodies against Proteus mirabilis LPS are present in both healthy and RA populations.
- The detection of these antibodies suggests a potential role for molecular mimicry involving Proteus LPS in the pathogenesis of RA.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms of anti-LPS antibodies in RA development.
