Serological studies on the teichoic acids of Lactobacillus plantarum

Both the wall ribitol teichoic acid and the membrane glycerol teichoic acid (lipoteichoic acid) from Lactobacillus plantarum NCIB 7220 have alpha-d-glucosyl substituents. Antisera to the ribitol teichoic acid were obtained by injecting whole or disintegrated organisms, the antigenicity of the wall teichoic acid apparently depending on its association with protein. It was necessary to inject disintegrated organisms or purified lipoteichoic acid to ensure the production of antibodies to the glycerol teichoic acid; these antibodies did not react with ribitol teichoic acid. The specificity of antibodies to the wall ribitol teichoic acid depends primarily on the alpha-d-glucosyl substituents, as the antibodies cross-react with alpha-d-glucosyl-substituted glycerol teichoic acids but not with an unsubstituted ribitol teichoic acid. The specificity of antibodies to the membrane glycerol teichoic acid may be directed against either the glucose or glycerol components, depending on the preparation injected.