Invasion-Related Antigens of Campylobacter jejuni

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Abstract
KgA HEp-2 cell culture model was used to investigate the antigens required for epithelial cell penetration by Campylobacter jejuni. Penetration of HEp-2 epithelial cells by C. jejuni was significantly inhibited (P < .05) with C. jejuni lysate and a monoclonal antibody (MAb 1B4) in competitive inhibition assays. Immunogold electron microscopy revealed that MAb 1B4 bound to the flagella and cell surface of low-passage (invasive) C. jejuni M 96, whereas only the flagella of high-passage (noninvasive) C. jejuni M 96 were labeled. Western blot analysis revealed that MAb 1B4 identified an epitope on antigens of 64–44 kDa in lysates prepared from invasive and noninvasive isolates. In addition, antigens of 42–38 kDa were recognized in lysates prepared from only invasive C. jejuni strains. Proteinase K and sodium meta-periodate chemical treatment of C. jejuni M 96 lysate changed the mobility of antigens recognized by MAb 1B4. The increase in mobility demonstrated a decrease in size of molecules and suggested that antigens required for HEp-2 cell invasion by Campylobacter species may be glycoprotein in nature.