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Relationship between host histones and armadillo-derived Mycobacterium leprae
M C Pessolani1, S W Hunter, P J Brennan
1Department of Microbiology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins 80523.
Summary
Mycobacterium leprae
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
Background:
- The major wall protein (MWP) of Mycobacterium leprae was previously characterized.
- Histones are typically associated with eukaryotic DNA, not bacterial cell walls.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-identify the major wall protein (MWP) of Mycobacterium leprae.
- To investigate the association of host-derived histones with M. leprae.
- To develop a method for histone quantification in M. leprae preparations.
Main Methods:
- N-terminal amino-acid sequencing
- Electrophoretic comparisons
- Histone solubilization and quantification assays
Main Results:
- The major wall protein (MWP) of M. leprae was identified as histoprotein H2b.
- A significant association between M. leprae and host/armadillo-derived histones was confirmed.
- Quantities of histoprotein H2b ranged from 0.6 to 4.8 µg per mg of bacteria.
Conclusions:
- Histoprotein H2b is a major component of the M. leprae cell wall.
- The presence of host histones in M. leprae is significant, particularly for vaccine development.
- A simple method for histone quantification in M. leprae is now available.