title: Antigenic polymorphism of the LamB protein among members of the family Enterobacteriaceae.
abstract: In this study we demonstrate that most members of the family Enterobacteriaceae possess a maltose-inducible outer membrane protein homologous to the LamB protein of Escherichia coli K-12. These proteins react with polyclonal antibodies raised against the LamB protein of E. coli K-12. We compared the antigenic structure of the LamB protein in members of the family Enterobacteriaceae with six monoclonal antibodies raised against the LamB protein of E. coli K-12. Four of them reacted with epitopes located at the outer face of the membrane, and two reacted with epitopes located at the inner face of the membrane. A great degree of variability was observed for the external epitopes. Even in a single species, such as E. coli, an important polymorphism was present. In contrast, the internal epitopes were more conserved.
mesh_terms: D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis*; D001425:Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins / Q000276:immunology*; D005075:Biological Evolution; D003429:Cross Reactions; D004755:Enterobacteriaceae / Q000276:immunology*; D008970:Molecular Weight; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D018272:Porins; D011991:Receptors, Virus / Q000276:immunology*; D013045:Species Specificity
chemical_list: D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D001425:Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins; D018272:Porins; D011991:Receptors, Virus; C016532:maltoporins