Author/Editor		Benčina, D; Kleven, SH; Elfaki, MG; Snoj, A; Dovč, P; Dorrer, D; Russ, I
Title		Variable expression of epitopes on the surface of Mycoplasma gallisepticum demonstrated with monoclonal antibodies
Type		članek
Source		Avian pathology
Vol. and No.		Letnik 23
Publication year		1994
Volume		str. 19-36
Language		eng
Abstract		Twelve monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) against Mycoplasma gallisepticum (Mg) strains F, R, S6(208) and PET2 were used for analysis of epitopes of 22 Mg strains. Six Mabs recognized surface epitopes in the majority of strains, but did not react with variant strains like K 503 and K 703. Two Mabs reacted with epitopes on about 56 kilodalton (kDa) proteins and showing consistent expression on Mg colonies. Three Mabs recognized three different variable surface epitopes associated with about 67 kDa proteins and one Mab variable epitope on about 33 and 80 kDa proteins. Two-dimensional immunoblotting showed considerable differences in the charge of proteins bearing variable surface epitopes in different Mg strains. Subcloning of four low passage Mg strains using Mabs for screening populations that derived from a single colony with defined surface epitopes showed that some colonies may switch surface epitopes associated with 67 and 80 kDa proteins. This switching was reversible and generated subpopulations of Mg expressing different combinations of surface epitopes. Phenotypic switching of epitopes probably occurs also in vivo and may be the mechanism enabling Mg to evade the most immune response.
Descriptors		MYCOPLASMA ANTIGENIC DETERMINANTS ANTIBODIES, MONOCLONAL IMMUNOBLOTTING PHENOTYPE ELECTROPHORESIS, POLYACRYLAMIDE GEL ISOELECTRIC FOCUSING ENZYME-LINKED IMMUNOSORBENT ASSAY