title: Recognition of carbohydrate and protein epitopes by monoclonal antibodies to a cell wall antigen from Streptococcus mutans.
abstract: The nature of the determinants recognized by a panel of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) raised against a cell wall antigen of Streptococcus mutans (SA I/II) was investigated. Mild periodate oxidation of SA I/II showed that MAbs Guy 1, 2, 3, and 5 recognized carbohydrate epitopes on the antigen. Glycosidases were used to identify the nature of the sugars involved in their binding. Treatment with beta-glucosidase inhibited the binding of Guy 1, 2, 3, and 5 by 90%. No competition was found for any of the MAbs between SA I/II and a series of carbohydrates, including the serotype c polysaccharide from S. mutans. The results show that MAbs Guy 1, 2, 3, and 5 recognize carbohydrate epitopes on SA I/II which are distinct from the serotype polysaccharide. The other MAbs recognized protein epitopes on SA I/II.
mesh_terms: D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000276:immunology*; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology*; D000937:Antigen-Antibody Reactions; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000276:immunology*; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000276:immunology; D002241:Carbohydrates / Q000276:immunology; D002473:Cell Wall / Q000276:immunology*; D000939:Epitopes / Q000276:immunology*; D011135:Polysaccharides, Bacterial / Q000276:immunology; D013295:Streptococcus mutans / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D002241:Carbohydrates; D000939:Epitopes; D011135:Polysaccharides, Bacterial