Monoclonal antibodies directed against major histocompatibility complex antigens bind to the surface of Treponema pallidum isolated from infected rabbits or humans

• Published in: Cellular immunology Vol. 101; no. 2; pp. 633 - 642
• Main Authors: Marchitto, Kevin S., Kindt, Thomas J., Norgard, Michael V.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: San Diego, CA Elsevier Inc 01.09.1986; Elsevier
• Subjects: Animals; Antibodies, Monoclonal - immunology; Antibody Specificity; Antigens, Bacterial - immunology; Applied sciences; Cross Reactions; Epitopes - immunology; Exact sciences and technology; H-2 Antigens - immunology; Humans; Male; Mice; Other techniques and industries; Rabbits; Species Specificity; Syphilis - immunology; Treponema pallidum; Treponema pallidum - immunology
• ISSN: 0008-8749; 1090-2163
• DOI: 10.1016/0008-8749(86)90173-5

Evidence is presented for the association of class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens with the surface of Treponema pallidum during infection. A monoclonal antibody (IgG2a) directed against a murine H-2K b epitope of public specificity reacted with the cell surface of T. pallidum, as assayed by the binding of protein A-colloidal gold in immunoelectron microscopy. Monoclonal antibodies directed against class I rabbit MHC antigens also reacted in immunofluorescence assays with material on the surface of rabbit-cultivated T. pallidum. In addition, impression smears of human syphilitic genital ulcers that were darkfield-positive for the presence of spirochetes were tested in immunofluorescence assays with monoclonal antibodies directed against human MHC antigens; antibody directed against HLA-ABC (class I) was reactive whereas antibody directed against HLA-DR (class II) was nonreactive. Results of the study suggest that the association of host-derived class I MHC antigens or molecular mimicry may play a role in T. pallidum evasion of host immune defenses.