The fibrinogen binding protein of Staphylococcus epidermidis is a target for opsonic antibodies.
Antibodies against the fibrinogen binding protein (Fbe) of Staphylococcus epidermidis significantly increased macrophage phagocytosis. Antibodies against autolysin E were opsonic but to a lesser extent. Antibodies against a novel, putatively surface-located antigen were unable to enhance phagocytosis. The severity of systemic infection of mice with S. epidermidis was reduced if the bacteria were preopsonized with anti-Fbe prior to administration. Fbe is thus a strong candidate for protein vaccination against S. epidermidis infection, and antibodies against Fbe can be used to prevent or treat infections caused by S. epidermidis.
Rennermalm
Anna
A
Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
Nilsson
Martin
M
Flock
Jan-Ingmar
JI
D000818:Animals; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000378:metabolism; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D001483:Base Sequence; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D016676:Macrophages, Alveolar / Q000276:immunology; D051379:Mice; D009895:Opsonin Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D010587:Phagocytosis; D011817:Rabbits; D051381:Rats; D012756:Sheep; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control; D013212:Staphylococcus epidermidis / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*
D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial; D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D002352:Carrier Proteins; D004269:DNA, Bacterial; C112556:Fbe protein, bacteria; D009895:Opsonin Proteins