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Purification and characterization of Campylobacter rectus surface layer proteins
H Nitta1, S C Holt, J L Ebersole
1Department of Periodontics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 78284, USA.
Infection and Immunity
|February 1, 1997
Summary
Campylobacter rectus surface layer (S-layer) proteins show structural and antigenic differences between human and nonhuman primate strains. These variations highlight heterogeneity within this potential periodontopathogen.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Oral Health
- Bacterial Pathogenesis
Background:
- Campylobacter rectus is implicated as a periodontopathogen.
- It possesses a surface layer (S-layer) protein external to its outer membrane.
- S-layers are hypothesized to protect microorganisms in challenging environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate, purify, and characterize S-layer proteins from six C. rectus strains.
- To investigate structural and antigenic heterogeneity among these S-layer proteins.
- To compare S-layer proteins from human and nonhuman primate isolates.
Main Methods:
- Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) for molecular mass determination.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for antigenic relationship assessment.
- Amino acid composition and sequence analysis, including CNBr peptide profiling.
Main Results:
- S-layer proteins ranged from 150 to 166 kDa.
- Strong antigenic similarity was observed among human C. rectus strains, with weaker reactivity for the nonhuman primate strain.
- Structural heterogeneity was noted, including a unique 17-kDa fragment in one human isolate.
Conclusions:
- Campylobacter rectus S-layer proteins exhibit structural heterogeneity among human strains.
- Significant immunoheterogeneity exists between human and nonhuman primate C. rectus isolates.
- These findings contribute to understanding C. rectus virulence and host interactions.