Immunization with recombinant Opc outer membrane protein from Neisseria meningitidis: influence of sequence variation and levels of expression on the bactericidal immune response against meningococci.

ABSTRACT: The opc gene from Neisseria meningitidis was cloned into the pRSETA vector, and recombinant protein was expressed at high levels in Escherichia coli. The protein was readily purified by affinity chromatography and used for immunization with conventional Al(OH)3 adjuvant or after incorporation into liposomes and Zwittergent micelles. The resulting sera were analyzed for their ability to recognize purified recombinant protein and "native" protein in an enzyme immunoassay with outer membranes and by whole-cell immunofluorescence. Immunization with Al(OH)3 induced high levels of antibodies which reacted with the purified protein but did not recognize whole cells. In contrast, liposomes and micelles induced antibodies which reacted with the native protein in whole cells. The addition of monopho

SUBMITTER: Jolley KA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC98398 | biostudies-literature | 2001 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature