Immunoblot analysis of human IgM, IgG and IgA responses to plasmid-encoded antigens of Yersinia enterocolitica serovar O3

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Human IgM, IgG and IgA responses after infection with Yersinia enterocolitica serovar O3 were studied by immunoblotting sera against whole-cell homogenates of a plasmid-containing strain of Y. enterocolitica O3 and a plasmid-free strain derived from it; each strain was grown in conditions expressive for the plasmid. The antibodies observed were directed against several plasmid-encoded polypeptides. The response against different bacterial components decreased uniformly with time and the persisting antibody production was directed against several epitopes. Strong reactions to the prominent plasmid-specified antigens of mol. wts (103) 26, 34, 45 and 52.5 were found more often with IgG-class antibodies than with IgM or IgA; the latter immunoglobulins recognised, respectively, antigens of mol. wt (103) 26 and 45 (IgM) and 26, 34 and 52.5 (IgA). Immunoblotting of sera from patients with yersinia-triggered reactive arthritis did not reveal any antigens that were involved additionally or specifically. However, IgA-mediated recognition of certain antigens of mol. wts (103) 26, 34 and 52.5 tended to persist longer in the arthritic patients.