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Wax D fraction of an unclassified Mycobacterium strain
Abstract:
Wax D prepared from the P-6 strain of the scotochromogenic species of Mycobacterium scrofulaceum constituted 0.3% of the dry bacilli. In the acid hydrolysates, alanine, glutamic acid, glycine, and mesodiaminopimelic acid were found as amino acid constituents. Mannose, galactose, and glucosamine were detected by paper chromatography. However, arabinose could not be detected. The quantity of hexosamine was 0.2 to 0.3%. Wax D of P-6 was found to be adjuvant-active, as revealed by a positive corneal reaction. The antigenicity of wax D of P-6 was shown by the agglutination reaction between the suspension of wax D and the anti-wax D antiserum. Periodate oxidation of the hydrosoluble portion reduced the inhibitory effect of the hydrosoluble portion on agglutination of the suspension of wax D. The light fraction of wax D had a peptide portion consisting of alanine, glutamic acid, glycine, and diaminopimelic acid and was found to be adjuvant-active in an amount of 1,000 mug.
Insights
This study characterizes Wax D from Mycobacterium scrofulaceum, revealing its adjuvant activity and antigenicity. The research identifies key amino acids and sugars, highlighting its potential as an immunological agent.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Mycobacterium scrofulaceum is a scotochromogenic species.
- Wax D is a component of mycobacterial cell walls with potential biological activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the chemical composition of Wax D from M. scrofulaceum P-6.
- To evaluate the adjuvant activity and antigenicity of Wax D.
Main Methods:
- Acid hydrolysis and paper chromatography were used to identify amino acid and sugar constituents.
- Corneal reaction and agglutination tests were performed to assess adjuvant activity and antigenicity.
- Periodate oxidation was used to investigate the role of the hydrosoluble portion.
Main Results:
- Wax D constituted 0.3% of dry bacilli and contained alanine, glutamic acid, glycine, mesodiaminopimelic acid, mannose, galactose, and glucosamine.
- Arabinose was not detected. Hexosamine content was 0.2-0.3%.
- Wax D exhibited adjuvant activity (positive corneal reaction) and antigenicity (agglutination reaction). Periodate oxidation affected hydrosoluble portion's inhibitory effect.
Conclusions:
- Wax D from M. scrofulaceum P-6 is a complex glycolipid with significant adjuvant and antigenic properties.
- The peptide portion of the light fraction of Wax D is also adjuvant-active.
- Further investigation into Wax D's immunomodulatory potential is warranted.