Comparison of the serological responses to Moraxella catarrhalis immunoglobulin D-binding outer membrane protein and the ubiquitous surface proteins A1 and A2

Infect Immun. 2006 Nov;74(11):6377-86. doi: 10.1128/IAI.00702-06. Epub 2006 Sep 11.

Abstract

Moraxella catarrhalis immunoglobulin D-binding protein (MID) is a complex antigen with unique immunoglobulin D (IgD)-binding, adhesion, and hemagglutination properties. Previous studies have shown that antibodies raised against MID764-913 in rabbits inhibited M. catarrhalis adhesion to human alveolar epithelial cells, and immunization with MID764-913 resulted in an increased pulmonary clearance in a murine model. Strong immune responses against MID have also consistently been shown in humans. Here, the MID-specified IgG responses were compared to those of ubiquitous surface proteins A1 and A2 (UspA1/A2) using a series of recombinant fragments that spanned all three proteins. Sera were obtained from young children, aged 6 months to 1 year (n=8) and 2 to 3 years (n=15), and healthy adults (n=16). Acute- and convalescent-phase sera from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with M. catarrhalis infective exacerbations (n=23) were also analyzed. Young children, who are at risk of M. catarrhalis infection, had low levels of anti-MID and anti-UspA1/A2 antibodies. Healthy adults and the majority of COPD patients (16/23) had high levels of antibodies directed against, among others, the adhesive domain of MID and the fibronectin- and C3-binding domains of UspA1/A2. Among eight COPD patients in whom a rise in antibody levels could be detected, these functional domains were also the main regions targeted by the antibodies. In addition, human IgG directed against MID was bactericidal and anti-MID antibodies were additive to antibodies targeting UspA1/A2. Hence, the functional domains in these three antigens may have significant potential in a future vaccine against M. catarrhalis.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antigens, Bacterial / blood
  • Antigens, Bacterial / immunology*
  • Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins / blood
  • Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins / immunology*
  • Bacterial Proteins / blood
  • Bacterial Proteins / immunology*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin D / blood*
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood
  • Infant
  • Moraxella catarrhalis / immunology*
  • Phosphoric Diester Hydrolases / blood
  • Phosphoric Diester Hydrolases / immunology*
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / blood
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / immunology
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / microbiology

Substances

  • Antigens, Bacterial
  • Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins
  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Immunoglobulin D
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • UspA protein, Moraxella catarrhalis
  • Phosphoric Diester Hydrolases
  • glpQ protein, Bacteria