title: Formation of cross-reacting antibodies against cellular and extracellular lipoteichoic acid of Streptococcus mutans BHT.
abstract: Antisera prepared against strains of Streptococcus mutans, particularly strain BHT, contain antibodies to the membrane lipoteichoic acid component that will cross-react with lipoteichoic acids from three species of lactobacilli. A more detailed study of the antibodies to strain BHT confirmed that the antibodies are specific for the polyglycerol phosphate component common to the lipoteichoic acids. Sera with a higher hemagglutinating titer could be obtained by injecting disrupted organisms. The partially purified lipoteichoic acid isolated from the culture fluid of S. mutans BHT was also immunogenic antibodies; antibodies were also formed against another unidentified component in this extracellular fraction.
mesh_terms: D000906:Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D000917:Antibody Formation; D002474:Cell-Free System; D003429:Cross Reactions; D005994:Glycerophosphates / Q000494:pharmacology; D006386:Hemagglutination Tests; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D011233:Precipitin Tests; D013291:Streptococcus / Q000276:immunology*; D013295:Streptococcus mutans / Q000276:immunology*; D013682:Teichoic Acids / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D000906:Antibodies; D005994:Glycerophosphates; D013682:Teichoic Acids