Identification of common vaginal Lactobacilli immunoreactive proteins by immunoproteomic techniques

AbstractLactobacilli are considered as the most important microorganisms in regulating immune system and maintaining vaginal health. The uses and benefits of Lactobacilli as probiotics, particularly the regulation of immune system, are dependent on the strain used and a comprehensive understanding of their effects on the host. Several factors have been identified in Lactobacilli that influence the immune response, such as exopolysaccharides and proteins. The current study was designed to investigate the serum immunoreactivity of healthy women against common vaginal Lactobacilli immunoreactive proteins. Three common vaginal Lactobacillus strains (L. crispatus L1,L. gasseri L9, andL. fermentum L2) were compared for immune response. The ELISA results showed that the levels of total immunoglobulin (Ig-total) antibody forL. crispatus L1,L. fermentum L2, andL. gasseri L9 were 47%, 45% and 29%, respectively. Regarding the lower prevalence ofL. fermentum L2 in comparison with the other two strains, the approximately equal levels of Ig-total compared toL. crispatus L1 and more thanL. gasseri L9 indicate thatL. fermentum L2 has the greater antigenicity ability. Accordingly, the immunoreactive proteins ofL. fermentum L2 were identified using MALDI –TOF–MS detected by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting. These proteins included 30s ribosomal protein S4 and 50s ribosomal protein L5. Antigenic epitopes on the 3D structure of these proteins was also predicted using bioinformatics analysis. Th...
Source: World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology - Category: Microbiology Source Type: research