Protective and immunochemical activities of monoclonal antibodies reactive with the Bacillus anthracis polypeptide capsule.

ABSTRACT: Bacillus anthracis is surrounded by a polypeptide capsule composed of poly-gamma-d-glutamic acid (gammaDPGA). In a previous study, we reported that a monoclonal antibody (MAb F26G3) reactive with the capsular polypeptide is protective in a murine model of pulmonary anthrax. The present study examined a library of six MAbs generated from mice immunized with gammaDPGA. Evaluation of MAb binding to the capsule by a capsular "quellung" type reaction showed a striking diversity in capsular effects. Most MAbs produced a rim type reaction that was characterized by a sharp increase followed directly by a decrease in refractive index at the capsular edge. Some MAbs produced a second capsular reaction well beneath the capsular edge, suggesting complexity in capsular architecture. Binding of MAbs to

SUBMITTER: Kozel TR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1828423 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature