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[The identification of the antigenic determinants of Mycobacterium leprae passed through laboratory animals by using
Abstract:
The antigenic preparations of M. leprae isolated from the biopsy leproma material of leprosy patients, M. leprae obtained by passage through laboratory animals (armadillos, rats) and M. lepraemurium have been identified by indirect solid-phase enzyme immunoassay. Experiments made with the use of the set of monoclonal antibodies (McAb) to different M. leprae antigenic determinants, supplied by the WHO Bank of Monoclonal Antibodies (IMMLEP), have demonstrated the presence of common antigenic determinants in 65-kD protein of M. leprae obtained by passage through armadillos and rats and M. lepraemurium, as well as in 12-kD protein of M. leprae isolated from armadillos and rats and M. leprae isolated from the biotic material of human lepromas. The passage of M. leprae through experimental animals leads to the appearance of a new antigenic determinant in their structure, which is recognized by McAb 111E4.
Insights
This study identified common antigenic determinants in Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae) using monoclonal antibodies. Animal passage of M. leprae revealed a new antigenic determinant.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae).
- Understanding M. leprae antigens is crucial for diagnostics and vaccine development.
- Characterizing antigens from different sources (patients, animals) aids in comprehending M. leprae variability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and compare antigenic determinants of M. leprae from various sources.
- To investigate the impact of animal passage on M. leprae antigenicity.
- To utilize monoclonal antibodies (McAbs) for precise antigenic characterization.
Main Methods:
- Indirect solid-phase enzyme immunoassay was employed for antigen identification.
- A panel of monoclonal antibodies (McAbs) from the WHO Bank of Monoclonal Antibodies (IMMLEP) was used.
- M. leprae strains were sourced from leprosy patient biopsies and experimental animal passages (armadillos, rats), including M. lepraemurium.
Main Results:
- Common antigenic determinants were found in the 65-kD protein of M. leprae (from animals and M. lepraemurium) and the 12-kD protein (from animal-passaged M. leprae and human lepromas).
- Passage of M. leprae through experimental animals induced a novel antigenic determinant recognized by McAb 111E4.
- Specific McAbs confirmed shared and unique antigenic profiles across different M. leprae preparations.
Conclusions:
- M. leprae exhibits conserved antigenic structures across human and animal isolates, particularly in 65-kD and 12-kD proteins.
- Experimental animal passage induces antigenic changes in M. leprae, highlighting the need for careful strain selection in research.
- Monoclonal antibody technology provides a powerful tool for dissecting the antigenic complexity of M. leprae.