title: Superficial antigens of Campylobacter (Vibrio) fetus: characterization of antiphagocytic component.
abstract: A glycoprotein responsible for the antiphagocytic properties of Campylobacter fetus has been identified by comparing cells of a wild-type strain with those of a mutant lacking this substance. The antiphagocytic component is demonstrable through electron microscopy as a discrete, negatively charged structure on the periphery of the cell. CLT is readily removed from the cell by mild extraction procedures and contributes to the inagglutinability in O antiserum normally displayed by C. fetus. Cells possessing this antigen are refractory to ingestion by macrophages except in the presence of specific antiserum. In its absence maximum phagocytosis occurs without a requirement for opsonins. It is concluded that the antiphagocytic component comprises a critical virulence factor of the bacterium.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000302:isolation & purification; D001431:Bacteriological Techniques; D002168:Campylobacter fetus / Q000276:immunology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002473:Cell Wall / Q000276:immunology; D005293:Ferritins; D006041:Goats / Q000276:immunology; D006386:Hemagglutination Tests; D007106:Immune Sera; D005779:Immunodiffusion; D007122:Immunoelectrophoresis; D008264:Macrophages / Q000276:immunology; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009154:Mutation; D009895:Opsonin Proteins; D010587:Phagocytosis; D011817:Rabbits / Q000276:immunology; D013010:Sonication; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D014774:Virulence
chemical_list: D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D007106:Immune Sera; D009895:Opsonin Proteins; D005293:Ferritins