Phosphorylcholine decoration of lipopolysaccharide differentiates commensal Neisseriae from pathogenic strains: identification of licA‐type genes in commensal Neisseriae

摘要: Phosphorylcholine (ChoP) is a potential candidate for plurispecific vaccine, because it present on surface components of many mucosal organisms, including Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In addition, ChoP has been detected pili Neisseria meningitidis gonorrhoeae. this study, we demonstrate the presence phosphorylcholine epitope lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) several species commensal Neisseriae (Cn), property that differentiates from pathogenic strains Neisseriae. an extended survey 78 strains, confirmed exclusive expression Despite Cn, which are homologous to Class II N. meningitidis, they did not react with anti-ChoP antibody. This observation was further supported by fact 14C-labelled choline incorporated only in LPSs Cn. Analysis LPS lactamica strain NL4 revealed two distinct interconvertible molecular high low levels reactivity on/off phase variation gave rise frequent modulation antibody reactivity. A concurrent also observed binding C-reactive protein, CRP, ChoP-binding reactant implicated bacterial clearance. Genetic analysis showed gene Cn spp. significant sequence identity H. influenzae licA. encodes kinase involved LPS-associated influenzae. contrast, licA-like genes were identified tested. They absent Z2491 genome database. These data suggest genetic basis incorporation resembles may be generating Further, LPS, corresponding CRP binding, confer immune avoidance thus persistence mucosa.