title: S-layer homology motif is an immunogen and confers protection to mouse model against anthrax.
abstract: SLH proteins bear an S-layer homology motif comprised of three S-layer homology (SLH) domains. Several SLH proteins in Bacillus anthracis have been recognized as immunogenic in recent past. We hypothesized that the SLH motif, the most common moiety amongst all the SLH proteins could be responsible for their immunogenicity. To test this hypothesis, we checked the immunogenic capacity of recombinant SLH motif. The rSLH fragment on immunization in mice led to the development of a potent humoral and T Helper immune response as compared to the only adjuvant immunized group. Antibodies raised against rSLH could identify the surface of B. anthracis Ames strain vegetative forms. rSLH immunization protected 50% mice challenged with B. anthracis compared to 0% survival in group of mice immunized with only adjuvant. But when rSLH immunization was synergized with a single sub-optimal dose of rPA (Protective Antigen), 80% immunized mice survived the lethal challenge of B. anthracis. Taken together, for the first time we demonstrate the immunogenic and protective potential of SLH motif of the SLH proteins of B. anthracis.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India.
authors.forename: Parul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kulshreshtha
authors.forename: Sneha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Aggarwal
authors.forename: Hemant
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Jaiswal
authors.forename: Rakesh
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bhatnagar
mesh_terms: D020816:Amino Acid Motifs / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D000818:Animals; D000881:Anthrax / Q000276:immunology* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D022122:Anthrax Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000276:immunology; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000276:immunology; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D001408:Bacillus anthracis / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D015153:Blotting, Western; D016207:Cytokines / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D016019:Survival Analysis; D018417:Th1 Cells / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D022122:Anthrax Vaccines; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D016207:Cytokines; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; C055764:S-layer proteins