Cell wall antigens of Pneumocystis carinii trophozoites and cysts: purification and carbohydrate analysis of these glycoproteins.

摘要: We have purified and biochemically analyzed individual cell wall glycoproteins of Pneumocystis carinii. Our results show that corresponding core constitute the antigens in both trophozoites cysts, glycosylation these does not appear to be significantly altered during development. Cysts rat-derived organism preparations were separated from each other by counterflow centrifugal elutriation, then treated with Zymolyase obtain fractions. Gel electrophoresis patterns fractions life-cycle stages qualitatively similar. Ten major antigenic preparative continuous elution gel electrophoresis. All ten cysts contained mannose, glucose, galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, some traces fucose. The had more mannose than their trophozoite counterparts. differed those cyst presence xylose. To examine species-specificity glycoprotein glycosylation, human-derived P. carinii (comprised mixed stages) also examined found contain same sugars as organisms. Most bound Concanvalin A, which was abolished treatment N-glycanase. This suggested majority oligosaccharides N-linked proteins, but attempts identify carbohydrate linkage sites amino acid sequencing hampered apparent modifications residues. peptides derived cyanogen bromide cleavage revealed distinct size for glycoprotein, suggesting they proteins. reacted monoclonal antibodies recognize a highly conserved epitope on rat Four individually elicited vitro cellular immune responses, implicating involvement recognition host T cells. identification characterization proteins will helpful analyzing relationship its mammalian host.