Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infection: Role of a Surface Protein in the Attachment Organelle

• DOI: 10.1126/science.6801766
• Publication Date: 2006-10-05T14:30:32Z
• Authors: P. C. Hu; R. M. Cole; Y. S. Huang; J. A. Graham; D. E. Gardner; A. M. Collier; W. A. Clyde
• Keywords: Organelle

Attachment of Mycoplasma pneumoniae to host cell by means a specialized terminus initiates infection. Monoclonal antibodies surface protein (Pl) inhibit this process, and react with region the tip covered peplomer-like particles. Since against Pl are generated natural experimental infection immunization, substance may be an important determinant protective immunity.