Antibody response of swine to outer membrane components of Haemophilus pleuropneumoniae during infection

Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, surface proteins and virulence: a review

Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (App) is a globally distributed Gram-negative bacterium that produces porcine pleuropneumonia. This highly contagious disease produces high morbidity and mortality in the swine industry. However, no effective vaccine exists to prevent it. The infection caused by App provokes characteristic lesions, such as edema, inflammation, hemorrhage, and necrosis, that involve different virulence factors. The colonization and invasion of host surfaces involved structures and proteins such as outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), pili, flagella, adhesins, outer membrane proteins (OMPs), also participates proteases, autotransporters, and lipoproteins. The recent findings on surface structures and proteins described in this review highlight them as potential immunogens for vaccine development.

A Multivalent Vaccine Containing Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae Antigens Elicits Strong Immune Responses and Promising Protection in Pigs

Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (App) and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (Mhp) cause porcine pleuropneumonia and mycoplasmal pneumonia, respectively, and have serious impacts on the swine industry because they retard the growth of pigs. To protect pigs against these diseases, we have developed a multivalent vaccine consisting of App bacterins, APP RTX toxins (Apx toxins), and Mhp bacterin and adhesin protein. This vaccine induced the production of higher levels of antibodies against App and Mhp than the commercial vaccine (Nisseiken Swine APM Inactivated Vaccine). Furthermore, the vaccine efficiently protected pigs against virulent App challenge, showing promise as an efficient vaccine for the prevention of two important respiratory diseases, porcine pleuropneumonia and mycoplasmal pneumonia.

The challenge of detecting herds sub-clinically infected with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae

The introduction into a naïve herd of animals sub-clinically infected with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (App) is frequently the cause of clinical pleuropneumonia and the identification of such infected herds is a priority in the control of disease. Different serological tests for App have been developed and a number of these are routinely used. Some are species-specific whereas others identify more specifically the serotype/serogroup involved which requires updated information about important serotypes recovered from diseased pigs in a given area/country. Serotyping methods based on molecular techniques have been developed lately and are ready to be used by most diagnostic laboratories. When non-conclusive serological results are obtained, direct detection of App from tonsils is sometimes attempted. This review addresses different techniques and approaches used to monitor herds sub-clinically infected by this important pathogen.

Outer membrane proteome ofActinobacillus pleuropneumoniae: LC-MS/MS analyses validatein silico predictions

The Gram-negative bacterial pathogen Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae causes porcine pneumonia, a highly infectious respiratory disease that contributes to major economic losses in the swine industry. Outer membrane (OM) proteins play key roles in infection and may be targets for drug and vaccine research. Exploiting the genome sequence of A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 5b, we scanned in silico for proteins predicted to be localized at the cell surface. Five genome scanning programs (Proteome Analyst, PSORT-b, BOMP, Lipo, and LipoP) were run to construct a consensus prediction list of 93 OM proteins in A. pleuropneumoniae. An inventory of predicted OM proteins was complemented by proteomic analyses utilizing gel- and solution-based methods, both coupled to LC-MS/MS. Different protocols were explored to enrich for OM proteins; the most rewarding required sucrose gradient centrifugation followed by membrane washes with sodium bromide and sodium carbonate. This protocol facilitated our identification of 47 OM proteins that represent 50% of the predicted OM proteome, most of which have not been characterized. Our study establishes the first OM proteome of A. pleuropneumoniae.

Use of an Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae multiple mutant as a vaccine that allows differentiation of vaccinated and infected animals

Vaccination against Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae is hampered by the lack of vaccines inducing reliable cross-serotype protection. In contrast, pigs surviving natural infection are at least partially protected from clinical symptoms upon reinfection with any serotype. Thus, we set out to construct an attenuated A. pleuropneumoniae live vaccine allowing the differentiation of vaccinated from infected animals (the DIVA concept) by successively deleting virulence-associated genes. Based on an A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 2 prototype live negative marker vaccine (W. Tonpitak, N. Baltes, I. Hennig-Pauka, and G.-F. Gerlach, Infect. Immun. 70:7120-7125, 2002), genes encoding three enzymes involved in anaerobic respiration and the ferric uptake regulator Fur were deleted, resulting in a highly attenuated sixfold mutant; this mutant was still able to colonize the lower respiratory tract and induced a detectable immune response. Upon a single aerosol application, this mutant provided significant protection from clinical symptoms upon heterologous infection with an antigenically distinct A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 9 challenge strain and allowed the serological discrimination between infected and vaccinated groups.

Interference of outer membrane protein PalA with protective immunity against Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae infections in vaccinated pigs

The role of antibodies to the outer membrane protein PalA of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae in protective immunity was studied in pigs vaccinated with purified PalA alone and PalA in combination with toxoids of the RTX toxins ApxI and ApxII using an established challenge model with the virulent serotype 1 of A. pleuropneumoniae. Pigs that developed antibody titers against PalA after immunization were more significantly affected by challenge with A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 1. Following challenge, pigs that were immunized with PalA showed more severe respiratory symptoms, had a higher mortality rate and died faster. They also displayed much more severe lung lesions after necropsy than animals not immunized with PalA. Pigs that were immunized with toxoids of the two cytotoxins ApxI and ApxII were protected against challenge with A. pleuropneumoniae. In contrast, the protective efficacy of the ApxI and ApxII vaccine was completely lost when it was supplemented with PalA. Hence, antibodies induced against the outer membrane protein PalA of A. pleuropneumoniae aggravated the consequences of infection and counteracted the protective effect of anti-ApxI and anti-ApxII antibodies. Due to the high similarity between protein analogues of PalA from various bacteria of the Pasteurellaceae family such as P6 of Haemophilus influenzae or 16kDa Omp of Pasteurella multocida, this deleterious effect of PalA in vaccination should be taken into consideration in the development of vaccines against infections with other Pasteurellaceae.

A novel strategy for protective Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae subunit vaccines: detergent extraction of cultures induced by iron restriction

We have characterized antigens from Actinobacillus (A.) pleuropneumoniae grown under iron restriction with respect to their immunogenic and protective potential. Antigens were the cell-free culture supernatants (CFS) obtained after treatment of A. pleuropneumoniae broth cultures with sodium deoxycholate. Using the iron-repressible transferrin-binding lipoprotein TbpB and the constitutively expressed outer membrane lipoprotein OmlA as markers, we have shown that the detergent extraction enriched the CFS with lipoproteins from the outer membrane (OM). Extractions with 0.05% of sodium deoxycholate increased the lipoprotein contents in the CFS, but did not affect the integrity of the OM. This was demonstrated by the absence of the iron-repressible integral OM transferrin-binding protein TbpA. Furthermore, the absence of periplasmic and cytoplasmic proteins in CFS after extraction was determined in immunoblot analyses with anti-bacterial alkaline phosphatase and anti-Hsp60 antisera, demonstrating that there was no rupture of the OMs or the plasma membranes due to the extraction procedure. Antigen preparations from A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 2 and 9 grown under iron restrictive conditions were combined, emulsified, and tested for their ability to confer protection in pigs. Pigs immunized with CFS from sodium deoxycholate extracted cultures developed a strong antibody response and, upon challenge with A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 2, the immunized pigs showed no or only mild clinical signs of disease and had a significantly lower degree of lung damage than the control pigs.

Improved protection against lung colonization by Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae ghosts: characterization of a genetically inactivated vaccine

Pigs immunized with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae ghosts or a formalin-inactivated bacterin were found to be protected against clinical disease in both vaccination groups, whereas colonization of the lungs with A. pleuropneumoniae was only prevented in ghost-vaccinated pigs. Bacterial ghosts are empty cell envelopes created by the expression of a cloned bacteriophage lysis gene and, unlike formalin-inactivated bacteria, suffer no denaturing steps during their production. This quality may lead to a superior presentation of surface antigens to the immune system. Analysis by SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting of the two vaccine preparations revealed different contents of antigenic proteins. In order to better understand the immunogenic properties of A. pleuropneumoniae ghosts and formalin-inactivated bacteria, we compared the serum antibody response induced in both treatment groups. Immune sera were tested on whole cell antigen or purified virulence factors including outer membrane protein preparations (OMPs), outer membrane lipoprotein OmlA1, transferrin binding proteins (TfbA1, TfbA7 and TfbB) and Apx toxins (ApxI, II and III). SDS-PAGE and immunoblots revealed no specific antibody response against the single virulence factors tested in any vaccinated animal. The two vaccination groups showed different recognition patterns of whole cell antigen and OMP-enriched preparations. A 100 kDa protein was recognized significantly stronger by ghost-vaccinated pigs than convalescent pigs. This unique antibody population induced by ghosts could play a determining role in the prevention of lung colonization. The same 100 kDa antigen was recognized by ghost-sera in homologous as well as heterologous serotype A. pleuropneumoniae protein preparations. Indications for a crossprotective potential in the ghost vaccine were supported by studies on rabbit hyperimmune sera.

Recovery from colonic infection elicits serum IgG antibodies to specific Serpulina pilosicoli outer membrane antigens (SPOMA)

Colonic spirochetosis caused by S. pilosicoli is a disease of human and animals characterized by intimate attachment of the spirochete to colonic epithelial cells and colitis. To identify antigens that are potentially involved in recovery from the disease, whole-cell lysate (WC) and various detergent extracts including Sarkosyl-soluble (SS) and insoluble (SI), and Triton X-114 detergent phase (TXD) and aqueous phase (TXA) of the human isolate SP16 were examined by Western blotting with Serpulina spp. periplasmic flagellar protein FlaB-specific monoclonal antibody 7G2 as well as pooled pre-immune serum (PS), hyperimmune serum (HS), and convalescent serum (CS) from swine. The HS reacted with several antigens that were not identified by the CS, including the periplasmic flagellar proteins and some lower molecular weight bands. The CS identified three major immunoreactive double (D) or single (S) bands of approximately: (i) 64-kDa in the WC(S), SS(D), and TXD/A(S), (ii) 54-kDa in the WC(S), SS/I(S), and TXD(S), and (iii) 47-kDa in the SS(S) fraction. The data indicate recovery from colonic infection elicits serum IgG antibodies to specific S. pilosicoli outer membrane antigens (SPOMA).

Actinobacillus species and their role in animal disease

Actinobacillus species are Gram-negative bacteria responsible for several quite distinct disease conditions of animals. The natural habitat of the organisms is primarily the upper respiratory tract and oral cavity. A. lignieresii is the cause of actinomycosis (wooden tongue) in cattle: a sporadic, insidiously-developing granulomatous infection. In sharp contrast is A. pleuropneumoniae which is responsible for a rapidly spreading often fatal pneumonia, common among intensively reared pigs. Detailed investigation of this organism has provided a much clearer picture of the bacterial factors involved in causing disease. A. equuli similarly causes a potent septicaemia in the neonatal foal; growing apparently unrestricted once infection occurs. Other members of the genus induce characteristic pathogenesis in their preferred host, with one, A. actinomycetemcomitans, being a cause of human periodontal disease. This article reviews recent understanding of the taxonomy and bacteriology of the organisms, and the aetiology, pathogenicity, diagnosis and control of animal disease caused by Actinobacillus species.

Contribution of adjuvant to adaptive immune responses in mice against Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae

The authors have previously demonstrated that adjuvant-mediated differences in early cellular responses to antigens significantly affect subsequent adaptive immune responses. To investigate further the contribution of adjuvant to adaptive immune responses, outer-membrane proteins (OMP) purified from the respiratory pathogen Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, given either alone (antigen group) or complexed with SAMA4 (vaccine group), were injected intradermally into groups of mice. Controls were given PBS. Inclusion of adjuvant did not significantly alter the kinetics of antibody responses against OMP in serum or respiratory tract washings (RTW) over 21 weeks. Re-exposure to OMP at 21 weeks also induced identical recall responses in both immunized groups. However, differences between the responses of the vaccine and antigen groups were apparent when sera and RTW were reacted against OMP and OMP-derived polysaccharide antigens (ODPA). Serum and RTW reactivity against protein antigens was stronger in the vaccine group than in the antigen group. Serum and RTW from the vaccine group also reacted against a greater number of proteins than did the antigen group. Although serum reactivity against ODPA was equivalent for both groups, RTW from the vaccine group reacted only faintly against ODPA compared with the antigen group. The results suggested that shifting of antibody reactivity away from polysaccharide antigens toward protein antigens was an adjuvant-mediated effect. The rapid death of controls following intranasal inoculation confirmed that protection was ultimately dependent on the presence of specific antibodies in the serum and respiratory tract. However, since both groups responded equally to intranasal infection with A. pleuropneumoniae, as seen by the rapid clearance of bacteria from the lungs, the biological significance of any differences between the groups was unclear. Knowledge of the effects of adjuvants may provide a rational basis for adjuvant selection and the ability to manipulate immunological outcomes more precisely.

Evaluation of the hemoglobin-binding activity of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae using fluorescein-labeled pig hemoglobin and flow cytometry

In the present study, the hemoglobin (Hb)-binding activity of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae was examined using fluorescein-labeled pig Hb and flow cytometry. Comparison of the Hb-binding activity of A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 1 strain 4074 grown under iron-restricted conditions with cells grown under iron-sufficient conditions indicated that iron-restriction in A. pleuropneumoniae promotes the expression of Hb receptors, and that Hb-binding activity is, at least in part, iron-repressible. Hb-binding activity was also observed in representative strains of A. pleuropneumoniae belonging to serotypes 1 and 2. In addition, A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 1 LPS or capsule isogenic mutants were tested in flow cytometry in order to understand the influence of surface polysaccharides on Hb-binding activity. Experiments with an acapsulated mutant indicated that surface molecules with Hb-binding activity are more exposed at the cell surface in the absence of capsular polysaccharides. However, the Hb-binding activity of LPS mutants analyzed in this study was unchanged compared to the parent strain. The outer membrane proteins profile of A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 1 grown under iron-restricted or iron-sufficient conditions was also evaluated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Iron-regulated outer membrane proteins were observed under iron-restricted growth conditions which suggests that one or more of these outer membrane proteins may play a role in the Hb-binding activity detected by flow cytometry.

Anti-haemolysin IgG1 to IgG2 ratios correlate with haemolysin neutralization titres and lung lesion scores in Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae infected pigs

Currently available porcine Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae bacterins afford only minimal protection by decreasing mortality but not morbidity. To evaluate a possible role of IgG subclasses in protection, IgG1 and IgG2 responses to A. pleuropneumoniae haemolysin (HLY) were examined in piglets exposed to a low dose (10(5) c.f.u. ml-1) of A. pleuropneumoniae CM5 (LD) given by aerosol (which affords complete protection) or bacterin-vaccinated piglets (no protection). Only the LD group developed HLY neutralizing antibody. These animals produced both IgG1 and IgG2-associated antibody in response to HLY, and there was a positive correlation (r = 0.6) between IgG1 anti-HLY antibody and neutralizing titres. Anti-HLY IgG1 antibody was negatively correlated with pneumonic scores at necropsy (r = -0.67, p < or = 0.005). These results suggest that immunization procedures that bias anti-HLY antibody to IgG1 may be more efficacious than those inducing IgG2.

Characterization of antigens recognized by new monoclonal antibodies raised against culture filtrate proteins of Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin

Effective protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis may be achieved in experimental animals by immunization with proteins secreted by tuberculous bacilli in the extracellular milieu during growth. In this study, monoclonal antibodies were raised against Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) culture filtrate proteins or live BCG, in an attempt to identify novel mycobacterial secretion antigens: the localization of the antigens recognized by the monoclonal antibodies within the mycobacterial cell was studied and interspecies reactivity was also investigated. The monoclonal antibodies obtained recognized proteins of molecular mass ranging from 5 to 82 kDa, with a prevailing frequency in the 30 kDa region. Three of the monoclonal antibodies recognized proteins present only in culture filtrates, one reacted with a cytoplasmic antigen, while the remaining antibodies recognized components which were mainly associated with the cell wall and the cytoplasmic membrane. The chemical nature and possible identity of the antigens was checked. Three monoclonal antibodies are likely to react with novel mycobacterial antigens of 5, 42 and 82 kDa, respectively.

Antibody- and cell-mediated immune responses of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae-infected and bacterin-vaccinated pigs

Current porcine pleuropneumonia bacterins afford only partial protection by decreasing mortality but not morbidity. In order to better understand the type(s) of immune response associated with protection, antibody- and cell-mediated immune responses (CMIR) were compared for piglets before and after administration of a commercial bacterin, which confers partial protection, or a low-dose (10(5) CFU/ml) aerosol challenge with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae CM5 (LD), which induces complete protection. Control groups received phosphate-buffered saline or adjuvant. Serum antibody response, antibody avidity, delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH), and lymphocyte blastogenic responses were measured and compared among treatment groups to the lipopolysaccharide (LPS), capsular polysaccharide (CPS), hemolysin (HLY), and outer membrane proteins (OMP) of A. pleuropneumoniae. Peripheral blood lymphocytes and sera were collected prior to and following primary and secondary immunization-infection and high-dose A. pleuropneumoniae CM5 (10(7) CFU/ml) aerosol challenge. Serum antibody and DTH, particularly that to HLY, differed significantly between treatment groups, and increases were associated with protection. LD-infected piglets had higher antibody responses (P < or = 0.01) and antibody avidity (P < or = 0.10) than bacterin-vaccinated and control groups. Anti-HLY antibodies were consistently associated with protection, whereas anti-LPS and anti-CPS antibodies were not. LD-infected animals had higher DTH responses, particularly to HLY, than bacterin-vaccinated pigs (P < or = 0.03). The LD-infected group maintained consistent blastogenic responses to HLY, LPS, CPS, and OMP over the course of infection, unlike the bacterin-vaccinated and control animals. These data suggest that the immune responses induced by a commercial bacterin are very different from those induced by LD aerosol infection and that current bacterins may be modified, for instance, by addition of HLY, so as to stimulate responses which better reflect those induced by LD infection.

Detection of antibodies against Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 5 using an inhibition enzyme immunoassay

An inhibition enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for detection of antibodies against A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 5 (App-5) in pig sera, based on the inhibition of the binding of an App-5 specific monoclonal antibody was established. The monoclonal antibody (MAb 210-F11) was found to be directed against an epitope on the O-chain of App-5 LPS. In the inhibition EIA, highly purified App-5 LPS was used to coat microtitre plates. Serial dilutions of pig sera were added to the plates prior to the addition of the MAb 210-F11. The degree of binding of App-5 antibodies from pig sera was determined as the percentage inhibition of the MAb 210-F11. Pig serum from specific pathogen free (SPF) herds, from experimentally infected animals, and from acutely and chronically infected herds were tested. A serum dilution of 1/30 was found to be optimal, when using 50% inhibition as the discriminating inhibition percentage. No cross-reactivity was observed with serum from pigs infected with other App serotypes or bacteria isolated from the respiratory tract, such as A. suis and H. parasuis. The inhibition EIA will be used for surveillance of App-5 antibodies in SPF and conventional herds.

Serological characterization of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae biotype 2 strains isolated from pigs in two Danish herds

Eight Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae biotype 2 strains were isolated in pure culture from lungs of pigs originating from two Danish herds with growing and finishing pigs. The antigenic properties were studied by indirect haemagglutination (IHA) and immunodiffusion (ID) tests using soluble surface antigens and by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) using capsular enriched fractions and LPS. In all tests the strains proved antigenically homogeneous and serologically distinct from the known biotype 1 and 2 serotypes. Thus, the strains represent a new serotype which is provisionally proposed as biotype 2 serotype 14.

Cloning and characterization of an Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae outer membrane protein belonging to the family of PAL lipoproteins

A 14-kDa outer membrane protein (OMP) was purified from Actinobacillus pleuro-pneumoniae serotype 2. The protein strongly reacts with sera from pigs experimentally or naturally infected with any of the 12 serotypes of A. pleuropneumoniae. The gene encoding this protein was isolated from a gene library of A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 2 reference strain by immunoscreening. Expression of the cloned gene in Escherichia coli revealed that the protein is also located in the outer membrane fraction of the recombinant host. DNA sequence analysis of the gene reveals high similarity of the protein's amino acid sequence to that of the E. coli peptidoglycan-associated lipoprotein PAL, to the Haemophilus influenzae OMP P6 and to related proteins of several other Gram-negative bacteria. We have therefore named the 14-kDa protein PalA, and its corresponding gene, palA. The 20 amino-terminal amino acid residues of PalA constitute a signal sequence characteristic of membrane lipoproteins of prokaryotes with a recognition site for the signal sequence peptidase II and a sorting signal for the final localization of the mature protein in the outer membrane. The DNA sequence upstream of palA contains an open reading frame which is highly similar to the E. coli tolB gene, indicating a gene cluster in A. pleuropneumoniae which is very similar to the E. coli tol locus. The palA gene is conserved and expressed in all A. pleuropneumoniae serotypes and in A. lignieresii. A very similar palA gene is present in A. suis and A. equuli.

Molecular characterization of a common 48-kilodalton outer membrane protein of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae

Previous studies have shown that a vaccine prepared from outer membranes of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 5 can elicit protective immunity in swine against challenge with either serotype 5 or serotype 1. These results suggest the presence of common subcapsular surface antigens, such as outer membrane proteins, that contribute to cross-protective immunity. We have identified a 48-kDa outer membrane protein that is common to all 12 capsular serotypes of A. pleuropneumoniae but is not present in the outer membranes of related species of gram-negative swine pathogens. This protein is immunogenic in swine infected with either A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 5 or 1A, as well as in swine vaccinated with A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 5 outer membranes. This 48-kDa protein is readily detected in outer membranes produced by sucrose density gradient centrifugation, but it is sarcosyl soluble and therefore not found in outer membranes prepared by detergent treatment. The gene encoding the 48-kDa outer membrane protein has been cloned from A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 5 and and has been designated aopA, for Actinobacillus outer membrane protein A. The gene is 1,347 bp in length and encodes a protein, designated AopA, of 449 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight of 48,603. Southern blot analysis under high-stringency conditions showed that strains of all 12 serotypes of A. pleuropneumoniae contain DNA homologous to this gene, as do strains of two closely related species, Actinobacillus suis and Pasteurella multocida. Whether antibodies against the AopA antigen contribute to cross-protective immunity against A. pleuropneumoniae infection remains to be determined.

Susceptibility to Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae infection in pigs from an endemically infected herd is related to the presence of toxin-neutralizing antibodies

Our objective was to identify pigs of an endemically infected herd that were susceptible to pleuropneumonia due to Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae. The presence of toxin-neutralizing antibodies was studied in serum of 36 pigs from birth until 24 weeks of age. Titers gradually declined during the first twelve weeks of life and increased thereafter. Sera from one-hundred 3-weeks-old piglets and one-hundred 20-weeks-old pigs were sampled and neutralization titers were determined. From each group we selected 5 pigs with the lowest titers and 5 pigs with the highest titers. These selected pigs (n = 20) were inoculated endobronchially with A. pleuropneumoniae. Pigs that survived from infection were necropsied after 48 h. Pigs with low neutralization titers had severe lung lesions, whereas pigs with high titers had no or minor lung lesion. These differences were significant (P < 0.05). From this field study we conclude that susceptibility to Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae can be predicted by absence of toxin-neutralizing antibodies.

Evaluation of pig lungs following an experimental challenge with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 1 and 5 in pigs inoculated with either hemolysin protein and/or outer membrane proteins

Histopathological changes were compared in pigs challenged with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 1 and serotype 5 after inoculation with subunit vaccines. The vaccines consisted of outer membrane protein and/or hemolysin protein isolated from Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 1 or both subunits combined. Twenty-seven cross-bred pigs were separated into six groups: Groups I and IV were vaccinated and boostered with 1500 micrograms outer membrane protein; Groups II and V were vaccinated and boostered with 250 micrograms hemolysin protein; Groups III and VI were vaccinated and boostered with a combination of 1500 micrograms outer membrane protein and 250 micrograms hemolysin protein. Groups I, II and III were challenged with A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 1; and Groups IV, V and VI were challenged with A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 5. Groups III and VI demonstrated the least severe lung tissue damage, with significantly lower (P < 0.05) lung involvement as compared to the other groups. Lesions were noted in all six groups. These results showed that complete protection against A. pleuropneumoniae infection was not feasible using a subunit vaccine consisting of just outer membrane protein and hemolysin protein, and that some cross-protection did occur.

Evidence obtained with monoclonal antibodies that O antigen is the major antigen responsible for the cross-reactivities between serotypes 4 and 7 of Actinobacillus (Haemophilus) pleuropneumoniae

Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against Actinobacillus (Haemophilus) pleuropneumoniae serotype 4 (reference strain M62 and field isolate F6) were produced and characterized. Three hybridoma clones were raised against strain M62, and 13 were raised against strain F6. The predominant antibody class was immunoglobulin M (IgM), although IgG2a and IgG2b were also obtained. Three of the MAbs produced to field isolate F6 (5C5, 1E10, and 5H7) did not recognize the reference strain of serotype 4, another (6F7) was reactive with both reference strains of serotypes 4 and 7, and the remaining 12 MAbs reacted only with the reference strain of the homologous serotype. All epitopes recognized by MAbs, except for one (6F7), were sensitive to periodic acid oxidation, and all of them were resistant to boiling in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate and reducing conditions, as evidenced by immunodot. Enhanced chemioluminiscence-immunoblot assays revealed that 10 MAbs (3E12, 5B8, 7C3, 6F7, 7F5, 7E6, 5G4, 4F1, 7E10, and 4B8) recognized a ladder-like banding pattern, which is in accordance with the O side chain antigen of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), while the remaining 6 MAbs (5C5, 5H7, 1E10, 6D11, 6B4, and 5E4) blotted with high-molecular-weight regions composed of a single banding pattern. The suitability of MAbs for serotyping of 78 field isolates was also examined. A high correlation was found between the results previously established by indirect hemagglutination with polyclonal sera and those obtained by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with MAbs. According to the different immunoreactivity of MAbs, three groups were established: group I (MAbs 3E12, 5B8, 7C3, 6F7, and 7F5), group II (MAbs 7E6, 5G4, 4F1, 7E10, and 4B8), and group III (MAbs 5C5, 5H7, and 1E10). MAbs 6D11, 6B4, and 5E4 could not be included in any of the described above. At least six different immunodominant epitopes on the O antigen of the A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 4 LPS were identified. Finally, the implications of the effect of the O antigen of LPS in cross-reactions between serotypes 4 and 7 are clearly evidenced.

Convalescent pigs are protected completely against infection with a homologous Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae strain but incompletely against a heterologous-serotype strain

To study whether Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae induces a species-specific immunity, we infected pigs in the left lung with serotype 3 or 9 and after 3 weeks we infected their right lungs with serotype 9. Convalescent pigs were protected against homologous strain reinfection, but after heterologous strain reinfection the degree of protection varied. Neutralizing antibodies were not essential for protection.

Detection of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 2 antibodies in pig sera by an inhibition enzyme immuno assay (EIA)

An inhibition Enzyme Immuno Assay (EIA) for detection of antibodies against A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 2 (App-2) in pig sera, based on the inhibition of the binding of an App-2 specific monoclonal antibody was established. The monoclonal antibody (mAb 102-G02) was found to be directed against an epitope on the O-chain of App-2 LPS. Some App-2 isolates did not react with the mAb 102-G02. These isolates are referred to as App-2X. In the inhibition EIA highly purified App-2 LPS ws used to coat microtiter plates. Serial dilutions of pig sera were added to the plates prior to the mAb 102-G02. The degree of binding of App-2 antibodies from pig sera was determined as the percentage inhibition of the mAb 102-G02. Pig sera from specific pathogen free (SPF) herds, from experimentally infected animals, and from conventionel herds were tested. A serum dilution of 1/200 was found to be optimal, when using 50% inhibition as the discriminating inhibition percentage. Serum from App-2X infected herds showed a lower reactivity as compared to serum from App-2 infected herds. No crossreactivity was observed with serum from pigs infected with other App serotypes. The sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 98.9%, respectively.

Antigenic differences within Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 1

Two distinct antigenic subtypes of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 1 were identified via coagglutination (Co-A) and designated as 1A and 1B. The reference strains, ATCC 27088 (1A) and ISU 158 (1B), were used to prepare hyperimmune rabbit sera for Co-A reagents. Of 75 serotype 1 field isolates tested by Co-A, 35 isolates typed as 1A, 12 as 1B and 28 as 1A/1B. Significant cross-reactivity between the 2 subtypes was found in the Co-A and was eliminated in 20/28 1A/1B strains by using Co-A reagents prepared with rabbit sera absorbed with the heterologous reference strain. However, twelve isolates (5 1A and 7 1A/1B; 16%) showed no reaction with Co-A reagents prepared with absorbed sera. Immunoblots of outer membranes (OM) prepared from APP 1A or 1B reference strains and field isolates indicated that antigenic differences between subtypes 1A and 1B were located within the high molecular weight (MW) region of the gels (40-100 kDa). Hyperimmune rabbit sera against 1A or 1B and sera from pigs vaccinated with whole-cell, formalin inactivated 1A or 1B bacterins reacted with the high MW region only in strains of the homologous subtype. In contrast, 4 of 5 sera from 1B infected pigs and 2 of 5 sera from 1A infected pigs reacted with all APP serotype 1 strains regardless of subtype. Apparently, infection exposed cross-reactive antigenic determinants that were not exposed by immunization with killed bacteria preparations. SDS-PAGE gels with LPS purified from APP 1A, 1B, 9 and 11 showed that 1A, 9 and 11 LPS O-antigens had an identical smooth ladder pattern, while 1B LPS was distinctly different. In immunoblots with OM or LPS and in dot-immunobinding assays with LPS, rabbit antiserum against APP 1A reacted with 1A, 9 and 11. In contrast, rabbit antiserum against APP 1B only reacted with APP 1B and weakly with APP 9 in the OM immunoblot and with LPS from APP 1B, 9 and 11 in the LPS immunoblot and dot-immunobinding assay. We conclude that 2 subtypes of APP serotype 1 can be distinguished based on their antigenic differences. These differences are located, at least in part, within the LPS O-antigens. LPS O-antigens from APP 1B appear more antigenically similar to APP 9 LPS than to either APP 1A or APP 11 LPS. There may also be antigenic differences in the capsular polysaccharides of APP 1A and 1B strains.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Recent approaches to the chemotaxonomy of the Actinobacillus-Haemophilus-Pasteurella group (family Pasteurellaceae)

Many members of the Actinobacillus-Haemophilus-Pasteurella group (family Pasteurellaceae) have been misclassified. This article reviews the chemotaxonomic characters that recently have been provided to improve the taxonomy of Pasteurellaceae. These include fatty acids of whole cells, of lipopolysaccharides and of single colonies, together with sugar contents of whole cells, of whole defatted cells, of lipopolysaccharides and of single colonies. This article also reviews taxonomy aided by distribution of proteins in whole cells and outer membranes, distribution of enzymes in outer membrane vesicles and in whole cells, bacteriolysis induced by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and hen eggwhite lysozyme and the distribution of respiratory quinones. Furthermore, an overview of characters obtained through studies on genetic transformation, restriction enzyme analysis, restriction fragment length polymorphism, DNA-DNA hybridization, DNA-rRNA hybridization, and 16S rRNA sequencing is given.

The importance of secreted virulence factors in Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae bacterin preparation: a comparison

Current bacterins provide only partial protection against morbidity and mortality in swine following infection by Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae. We compared the efficacy of a cell-free concentrate from mid-log phase growth cultures of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP) serotype 1 to four commercial bacterins. This cell-free preparation contained carbohydrate, endotoxin, and protein, and had hemolytic and cytotoxic activity. Sodium dodecyl-sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis indicated the presence of one major 110,000-molecular-weight protein. This protein band also stained by the periodic acid Schiff method, indicating the presence of carbohydrate. Cell-free concentrates of APP serotypes 5 and 7 had identical profiles following electrophoresis and staining with either Coomassie blue for protein or Schiff reagent for carbohydrate. Lipopolysaccharide profiles for the cell-free concentrates of serotypes 1 and 5 were semi-rough while the LPS profile for serotype 7 was smooth. Five A. pleuropneumoniae-free SPF pigs per group were vaccinated on days 0 and 21 with cell-free concentrate of serotype 1 plus adjuvant, or one of four commercial bacterins according to the manufacturer's directions. Control pigs were vaccinated with PBS mixed with adjuvant. All pigs were challenged intranasally on day 35 with serotype 1 and necropsied on day 50. Protection was greatest in the cell-free concentrate group, as compared with all other groups, in that no deaths occurred, clinical scores were less severe, and percent lung affected was significantly reduced (P < 0.05). In addition, whole-cell ELISA titers were significantly increased (P < 0.05) postvaccination in the cell-free concentrate group, and postvaccination and postchallenge sera neutralized the hemolytic activity of the cell-free concentrate from serotypes 1 and 5 (P < 0.05), as compared with all other groups. No serum neutralization to the hemolysin of serotype 7 was observed. Immunoblot analysis using antisera derived from gnotobiotic pigs indicated that the cell-free vaccine generated a response that was identical to the response observed following live challenge. Similar, but not identical, responses were observed when antisera generated against the bacterins was used. This study indicates that an acellular vaccine containing multiple virulence factors can provide complete protection from mortality and significantly reduced morbidity to homologous challenge.

Transposon mutagenesis in Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae with a Tn10 derivative

A transposon mutagenesis procedure functional in the gram-negative swine pathogen Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae was developed for the first time. The technique involved the use of a suicide conjugative plasmid, pLOF/Km, carrying a mini-Tn10 with an isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG)-inducible transposase located outside the mobile element (M. Herrero, V. de Lorenzo, and K. N. Timmis, J. Bacteriol. 172:6557-6567, 1990). The plasmid was mobilized from Escherichia coli to A. pleuropneumoniae through the RP4-mediated broad-host-range conjugal transfer functions provided by the chromosome of the donor strain. When IPTG was present in the mating medium, A. pleuropneumoniae CM5 transposon mutants were obtained at a frequency of 10(-5), while no mutants were detected in the absence of IPTG. Since the frequency of conjugal transfer of the RP4 plasmid from E. coli to A. pleuropneumoniae CM5 was found to be as low as 10(-4), the above result indicated that the expression level of the transposase was a critical factor for obtaining a workable efficiency of transposon mutagenesis. The transposon insertions occurred at random, as determined by Southern blotting of chromosomal DNA of randomly selected mutants and by the ability to generate mutants defective for the selected phenotypes. Almost all the mutants analyzed resulted from a single insertion of the Tn10 element. About 1.2% of the mutants resulted from the cointegration of pLOF/Km into the A. pleuropneumoniae chromosome. The applicability of this transposon mutagenesis system was verified on other A. pleuropneumoniae strains of different serotypes. The usefulness of this transposon mutagenesis system in genetic studies of A. pleuropneumoniae is discussed.

Comparison of outer-membrane fractions of Serpulina (Treponema) hyodysenteriae

Sarkosyl-insoluble fractions (outer-membrane proteins) and endoflagella (EF) fractions of Serpulina hyodysenteriae serotypes 1-7 were examined for protein differences using SDS-PAGE. Both the outer-membrane proteins (OMP) and endoflagella were also examined for antigenicity using porcine sera from acutely infected and convalescent swine. Seven major staining proteins were resolved in outer-membrane enriched fractions ranging in molecular weight between 42 and 32 kDa. A comparison of purified EF to OMP from serotype 1 and 2 isolates of Serpulina hyodysenteriae demonstrated that six of the seven OMP were actually EF. Sera from swine with acute swine dysentery identified only a portion of the proteins from both preparations. In contrast, immune sera from convalescent swine identified all the proteins in the OMP and EF preparations as well as an additional 16 kDa carbohydrate antigen.

Inhibition of bactericidal activity of anticapsular antibody by nonspecific antibodies reactive with surface-exposed antigenic determinants on Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae

In an attempt to understand the mechanism of serum resistance in Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, in the present study we examined various interactions among the bacterial surface constituents, serum antibodies, and complement. Analysis of swine sera revealed the presence of anticapsular antibodies in convalescent-phase sera but not in preimmune sera. Both types of sera contained antibodies which reacted with each of 14 polypeptides present in saline extracts of the bacteria. Absorption of the preimmune sera with intact bacteria depleted antibodies to two of the polypeptides (27 and 32 kDa) and high-molecular-weight (greater than 97.4,000) components which did not stain with Coomassie blue. Data derived from complement consumption and C3-binding experiments indicated that the organism was capable of initiating complement activation and binding C3 during incubation in preimmune and immune sera. Experiments designed to evaluate the bactericidal effectiveness of anticapsular antibody revealed that the purified antibody was bactericidal only when preimmune sera absorbed with intact bacteria were used as a source of complement. The bactericidal effects of anticapsular antibody and absorbed preimmune sera were inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by heat-inactivated preimmune sera and immunoglobulin G derived from the sera. The inhibitory activity of the preimmune sera was neutralized by preincubating the sera with column fractions of the saline extract which contained either the 27- or the 32-kDa polypeptide. These results indicate that serum resistance in A. pleuropneumoniae 4074 could be related to inhibition of the bactericidal action of anticapsular antibody by nonspecific antibodies which recognize surface-exposed epitopes on the polypeptides.

Serotype specificity of immunological assays for the capsular polymer of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotypes 1 and 9

The cross-reactivity of the purified polysaccharides of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotypes 1 and 9 were examined using a variety of highly sensitive assays, such as radioimmunoassay, latex agglutination, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and immunoblotting. In addition, conventional immunodiffusion was included for comparison. Latex agglutination, utilizing affinity-purified IgG to capsule, was also used to serotype whole cells. Agglutination or precipitation tests (radioimmunoassay, latex agglutination, and immunodiffusion) indicated no cross-reactivity between the capsules of serotypes 1 and 9, and no cross-reactivity between whole cells by latex agglutination. Assays that required binding of the capsule to a solid support (ELISA and immunoblotting) did demonstrate cross-reactions between serotypes 1 and 9 capsules, although reactions with the heterologous serotype were weaker than with the homologous serotype. The cross-reactivity could not be attributed solely to nonspecific factors because similar cross-reactivity did not occur with serotype 5 or 7 capsules by any assay. Reactivity of antisera with homologous or heterologous capsule was reduced, but not completely eliminated, by adsorption with washed, live bacteria of the heterologous serotype. Thus, the assay, as well as the antigen or specificity of the antibody reagent used, may influence the results of A. pleuropneumoniae serotyping or serological tests.

Effects of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae hemolysin on porcine neutrophil function

In an attempt to gain insight into the events that take place during Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae infection, the present study was designed to ascertain the effects of bacterial toxicity on porcine neutrophil functions and viability. Incubation of phagocytes (2 x 10(6)) with opsonized A. pleuropneumoniae 4074 (2 x 10(7) CFU) resulted in phagocytic uptake of less than or equal to 4%. At the same bacterium-to-phagocyte ratio, levels of lactate dehydrogenase activity of 74 and 81% were detected in the extracellular medium after 1.5 and 3 h of incubation, respectively. Furthermore, the ingested bacteria were not killed by the phagocytes. These effects were ascribed to hemolysin produced by the bacteria, because the presence of hemolysin-neutralizing antibody prevented overt cellular damage, significantly increased phagocytic uptake (P less than 0.001), and resulted in an approximately 10-fold decrease in the number of CFU of the ingested bacteria. Cytolytic doses of isolated hemolysin caused dose-related loss of cell viability, diminished bactericidal activity of toxin-treated phagocytes for Escherichia coli, and decreased the ability of the phagocytes to undergo a respiratory burst upon stimulation with phorbol myristic acetate. In contrast, sublytic doses of the hemolysin activated the phagocytes and caused them to respond to phorbol myristic acetate with increased generation of superoxide anion. Because heated (100 degrees C, 5 min) hemolysin preparations did not produce similar effects, we contend that the observed effects were not due to contaminating endotoxin. The data presented herein indicate that A. pleuropneumoniae hemolysin is a potent antiphagocytic virulence factor by virtue of its leukocidal activity. Sublytic doses of the toxin may have important effects on the oxidative metabolism of phagocytic cells.

Biochemical characterization of an antigenic saline extract of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 5 and identification of a serotype-specific antigen for ELISA serodiagnosis

A saline extract of boiled-formalinized whole cells from a local strain (81-750; Quebec, Canada) of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, serotype 5b was used as an antigen in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for serodiagnosis of swine pleuropneumonia. Characterization of this crude extract was done and proteins, neutral sugars, hexosamines, and 2-keto-3-deoxyoctonate (KDO) were evaluated. On phenol extraction of the crude extract a serotype-specific antigen of polysaccharidic nature was recovered from the aqueous phase. This antigen was characterized using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) with Coomassie blue, silver and Schiff stainings. Immunoblots were done using sera of experimentally infected pigs that showed serotype specificity and cross-reactivity. Overall, the results indicate that the O-chain of lipopolysaccharides is a specific antigen that could be used in ELISA for the serodiagnosis of serotype 5 of A. pleuropneumoniae.

Structure of the capsular polysaccharide of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 5b

The capsular polysaccharide of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 5b (strain L20) was found to be a high molecular mass polymer composed of 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-glucose, D-glucose, and 3-deoxy-D-manno-octulosonic acid (KDO). Methylation analysis, partial hydrolysis and a combination of homonuclear and 1H-detected heteronuclear shift-correlated nuclear magnetic resonance experiments showed the polysaccharide to be a branched polymer of a trisaccharide repeating unit, having the structure: [formula; see text]

Protective local and systemic antibody responses of swine exposed to an aerosol of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 1

The isotype-specific antibody responses in serum and in nasal and pulmonary lavage fluids of swine following aerosol immunization with an attenuated strain of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 1, strain CM5A, was investigated. The presence of immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgA, and IgM with specificities for capsular polysaccharide, lipopolysaccharide, and hemolysin was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay by using purified antigens. Strain CM5A induced serum antibodies of each isotype to the three antigens. The serum antibody response was sustained and typical of persistent antigenic stimulation. The specific IgM response decreased and the specific IgG response increased after challenge with strain CM5. IgA specific for the three antigens was detected in nasal secretions from all immune pigs, whereas specific IgG could only be detected in samples contaminated with blood. Both IgA and IgG specific for each of the antigens were detected in pulmonary lavage samples. There was no significant increase in specific IgA in nasal secretions; however, levels of lipopolysaccharide-specific and hemolysin-specific IgG and IgA in pulmonary secretions rose after aerosol challenge with strain CM5. Passive transfer of immune swine serum resulted in protection against pleuropneumonia and in levels of specific serum IgG which were similar to those in actively immunized pigs. It is concluded that specific serum IgG antibodies are important in protection from porcine pleuropneumonia.

Optimization and standardization of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay protocol for serodiagnosis of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 5

An indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay protocol has been optimized with special emphasis given to assay standardization and quality control. Technical aspects such as choice of a microplate, antigen immobilization, buffer composition, optimal screening dilution of sera, and kinetics of the enzymatic reaction were studied and evaluated in order to design a standard protocol offering maximal analytical sensitivity and specificity, as well as to obtain minimal within- and between-plate variability. Among the 27 plates tested, the Nunc 475-094 and 269-620 immunoplates were found to be the best in terms of high positive-to-negative ratio and low variability. No significant differences in antigen immobilization were found by using buffers of various compositions or pHs; however, the presence of magnesium ions (Mg2+; 0.02 M) resulted in a twofold increase in nonspecific background. An optimal screening dilution of sera was established at 1:200. A 1-h incubation period for test serum was found to be optimal. Maximum enzymatic activity for peroxidase was obtained by adjusting both substrate (H2O2) and hydrogen donor [2,2' -azinobis(3-ethylbenz-thiazoline sulfonic acid)] concentrations to 4 and 1 mM, respectively. To control between-plate variability, a timing protocol was adopted. Within-plate variability was also controlled by using a sample placement configuration pattern. Sliding scales were determined by repeated testing of a cross section of samples to set acceptance limits for both within- and between-plate variability. These limits were used in a quality control program to monitor assay performance. The results obtained suggest that this standardized protocol might be useful in the serodiagnosis of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 5.

Immunogenicity of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae outer membrane proteins and enhancement of phagocytosis by antibodies to the proteins

To determine the opsonic effect of antibodies to Actinobacillus (Haemophilus) pleuropneumoniae outer membrane proteins on phagocytosis by porcine polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN), we separated the integral outer membrane proteins (IOMPs) by Triton X-114 extraction. Four major IOMPs with molecular masses of 76, 50, 39, and 29 kDa were detected by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. These IOMPs were found to be essentially free of endotoxin in the Limulus amebocyte lysate assay. The 76-kDa protein exhibited a more intensely stained electrophoresis band when isolated from iron-restricted cultures, and a new band at 105 kDa was present in the whole-membrane fraction but not in the integral fraction, indicating that the 105-kDa iron-repressible protein is a peripheral membrane protein. The 76-, 50-, and 39-kDa proteins were shown to be surface exposed, since antibodies to these IOMPs could be absorbed out of convalescent-phase sera by whole cells. Percentages of phagocytosis by porcine PMN of A. pleuropneumoniae opsonized with convalescent-phase sera, convalescent-phase sera absorbed with IOMPs, or convalescent-phase sera absorbed with whole cells were 46.75, 21.81, and 7.96%, respectively. These results demonstrate that antibodies to IOMPs of A. pleuropneumoniae serve as important opsonins in phagocytosis by porcine PMN.

Role of lipopolysaccharides in adherence of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae to porcine tracheal rings

The ability of 17 Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae isolates, representing serotypes 1, 2, 5, and 7, to adhere to tracheal rings maintained in culture was examined. Porcine tracheal rings were infected, and 8 h after inoculation, adherent bacterial cells were evaluated. A. pleuropneumoniae adhered to tracheal rings, and marked variations were observed between and even within serotypes, suggesting that adherence of this microorganism is not primarily related to the serotype of the isolate. No relationship was found between adherence to porcine tracheal rings and plasmid profiles, virulence in mice, hemagglutination, capsular material thickness, or whole-cell protein profiles. On the other hand, we observed that all isolates of serotypes 1 and 5 had a semirough-type lipopolysaccharide (LPS), whereas isolates of serotypes 2 and 7 had a smooth-type LPS (75%) or a semirough-type LPS (25%). Results showed that 83% of isolates with a smooth-type LPS adhered in large numbers to tracheal rings, whereas 80% of isolates with a semirough-type LPS adhered poorly (P less than 0.007). Our data indicated that the degree of adherence of A. pleuropneumoniae to porcine tracheal rings appeared to be related, at least in part, to LPS profiles. Furthermore, LPS seemed to be the adhesin of A. pleuropneumoniae, since purified LPS blocked adherence of this microorganism to porcine tracheal rings.

Identification and characterization of a porcine-specific transferrin receptor in Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae

All six strains of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae screened for the ability to use different transferrins as a source of iron for growth were capable of using porcine but not human, bovine, or avian transferrins. A specific binding activity for porcine transferrin (pTf) was expressed in cells grown in the presence of specific iron-chelators and was repressed by addition of excess iron. Two iron-repressible outer-membrane proteins of 105 and 56 kD were specifically isolated from serotype 1, 2 and 7 strains of A. pleuropneumoniae by an affinity-isolation method using biotinylated porcine transferrin and streptavidin-agarose.

Outer membrane proteins of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Haemophilus aphrophilus studied by SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting

This investigation characterized and compared outer membrane proteins (OMP) of the closely related Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Haemophilus aphrophilus by means of SDS-PAGE patterns and reactions on immunoblots with rabbit antiserum against A. actinomycetemcomitans FDC Y4. Reactions with serum from a patient with Papillon Lefévre syndrome (PLS), from whom periodontal wild strains of A. actinomycetemcomitans had been isolated, were also studied. OMP were purified with selective solubilization from lyophilized cells of 10 wild and 4 reference strains of A. actinomycetemcomitans and 4 reference strains of H. aphrophilus. OMP profiles from wild and reference strains of A. actinomycetemcomitans were similar while those from A. actinomycetemcomitans and H. aphrophilus differed. The most prominent difference was absence of a heat modifiable protein in H. aphrophilus strains. Immunoblotting revealed strong common antigens in most strains, including a heat modifiable protein with mol wt 34 kDa, as well as a 29 kDa and a 16.5 kDa protein. Treatment with pronase and sodium periodate confirmed the protein nature of the major OMP antigens.

Immunization procedures for E. coli proteins

Three immunization procedures were compared for the production of antibodies to the minor components of a complex E. coli protein (ECP) mixture: a conventional protocol and two methods that allow for the selective in vitro (cascade) or in vivo (passive) depletion of highly immunogenic proteins. An indirect ELISA showed that a maximum ELISA antibody titer was obtained with all the procedures 60 d after immunization. Analysis of these antisera by two-dimensional SDS-PAGE immunoblots, however, demonstrated that antibody reactivity to minor components in the mixture was not achieved until 112 d. This analysis also showed that a marked improvement in antibody response to minor components was obtained with the cascade immunization procedure. The mean titer and spectrum of antibody reactivity was similar for each group, and suggested that, although some individual variation was noted, the improvements observed were the result of the protocol used. Thus, for these ECPs, and multiple antigen mixtures in general, the preferred immunization protocol should employ at least three hosts and utilize the cascade immunization of Thalhamer and Freund. Characterization of the resulting antisera is best performed by use of silver stained two-dimensional SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting.

Identification, isolation and partial characterization of Mycobacterium tuberculosis glycoprotein antigens

In Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture filtrates, three concanavalin A (ConA)-binding bands of 55, 50 and 38 kilodaltons (kD) were identified by labelling blotted proteins with a ConA-peroxidase conjugate. Binding was inhibited by the competitor sugar alpha-methyl mannoside and by reduction with sodium m-periodate. Bands of 55, 50 and 38 kD stained with Coomasie blue were sensitive to digestion with proteases, thus indicating that they are proteins. Glycoproteins were isolated by lectin affinity chromatography or by elution from nitrocellulose membranes. On the isolated form, the 55-50 kD doublet glycoprotein was 65.4% protein and 34.6% sugar. The purified 38 kD molecule was 74.3% protein and 25.7% carbohydrate. By immunoblot, antibodies against mycobacterial glycoproteins were demonstrated in immunized rabbits and in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, but not in healthy individuals. Treatment with sodium m-periodate abolished binding of rabbit antibodies to the 38 kD glycoprotein. Reactivity of the 55-50 kD doublet glycoprotein was not altered by reduction. By immunoblot with monoclonal antibodies TB71 and TB72, a carbohydrate-dependent and a carbohydrate-independent epitope could be identified on the 38 kD glycoprotein.

Protein heterogeneity of Francisella tularensis: detection of proteins with antigenic determinants

The autolyzates of three different strains of Francisella tularensis 15L, 130 and SCHU were tested for their immunogenic potential and protein heterogeneity. The autolyzates induce the production of specific antibodies, the delayed type of hypersensitivity, and some degree of protection against European virulent strain 130. This material (as antigen) was especially suitable for ELISA. When the autolyzates were subjected to SDS gradient PAGE, a variety of polypeptides were distinguished. The composition of polypeptides from all three strains on SDS-PAGE was almost identical. After the detection of antigenic determinants by Western blotting more than twenty bands appeared. The visualization with polyclonal antisera against live laboratory strain 15L and against autolyzates 15L, 130 and SCHU revealed differences in the composition of the antigenic determinants of these strains.

Responses of Haemophilus pleuropneumoniae to iron restriction: changes in the outer membrane protein profile and the removal of iron from porcine transferrin

Outer membranes from Haemophilus pleuropneumoniae grown under iron-replete and iron-restricted conditions in vitro were analysed by means of SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting. Iron restriction resulted in the appearance of two or more novel polypeptides in the molecular size range of 96-102 kD and an increased amount of a 79 kD polypeptide. These polypeptides were recognized by porcine immune sera indicating their production by H. pleuropneumoniae during growth in vivo. Although soluble siderophore production could not be detected, growth of the organisms on an iron-restricted medium was enhanced by the presence of porcine transferrin but not by bovine or human transferrin. The results suggest that H. pleuropneumoniae possesses a specific transferrin receptor, perhaps in the form of an iron-regulated outer membrane protein.

Identification of a maltose-inducible major outer membrane protein in Actinobacillus (Haemophilus) pleuropneumoniae

The addition of maltose to the growth media of Actinobacillus pleuropneumonia (serotype 1) resulted in the induction of an outer membrane protein (OMP) with a molecular mass of 42 kDa. This protein had porin-like properties in that it was peptidoglycan-associated and was resistant to proteolysis by trypsin. A pleuropneumoniae expressing the 42 kDa OMP were unable to bind lambda phage. Similar proteins were also induced in A. pleuropneumoniae isolates representing serotypes 2 to 7 with the exception of serotype 4; however, not all isolates of any given serotype expressed a maltose-inducible OMP. Western immunoblotting using convalescent antiserae against the serotype 1 A. pleuropneumoniae indicated that the 42 kDa OMP was expressed in vivo and was cross-reactive with the maltose-inducible OMPs from other serotypes.

Effect of iron restriction on the outer membrane proteins of Actinobacillus (Haemophilus) pleuropneumoniae

The outer membrane protein profile of Actinobacillus (Haemophilus) pleuropneumoniae grown under iron-restricted and iron-replete conditions was studied by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting. A virulent serotype 1 isolate synthesized a novel protein with an apparent molecular weight of 105,000 (105K) and increased the synthesis of a 76K protein under iron-restricted conditions. Both proteins were synthesized within 15 min of establishment of iron-restricted conditions. Proteins of equivalent molecular weights could also be induced by iron restriction in serotype 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 isolates of A. pleuropneumoniae. Convalescent-phase sera from serotype 1-infected pigs contained antibodies which recognized both the 105K and 76K proteins from all six serotypes examined, indicating that these proteins were expressed in vivo and were immunologically conserved. Cells expressing the 105K and 76K proteins also displayed an enhanced ability to bind Congo red and hemin, suggesting that one or both of these proteins functioned to acquire complexed iron during in vivo growth.