Identification of the Immunodominant Protein and Other Proteins of theBacillus anthracisExosporium

• DOI: 10.1128/jb.185.6.1903-1910.2003
• Publication Date: 2003-03-04T19:35:53Z
• Authors: Christopher Steichen; Ping Chen; John F. Kearney; Charles L. Turnbo...
• Keywords: Bacillus anthracis

Spores of Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent anthrax, are enclosed by a prominent loose-fitting, balloon-like layer called exosporium. Although exosporium serves as source surface antigens and primary permeability barrier spore, its molecular structure function not well characterized. In this study, we identified five major proteins in purified B. anthracis (Sterne strain) exosporia. One protein was recently collagen-like glycoprotein BclA, which appears to be structural component hair-like nap. Using large panel unique antispore monoclonal antibodies, demonstrated that BclA is immunodominant antigen on spore surface. We also showed carbohydrate constituent directs dominant immune response. addition, length central (GXX)(n) repeat region strain specific. Two other proteins, BxpA BxpB, were identified. unusually rich Gln Pro residues contains several different tandem repeats, exhibit strain-specific variation. found cleaved approximately half. BxpB glycosylated or associated with material encoded gene (along bclA) may part an genomic island. The two alanine racemase superoxide dismutase, both reported spores. Possible functions newly discussed.