Mechanism of Flagellar Vaccine Protection Related to Pseudonomas Pathogenesis in Trauma Burns

摘要

Using isogenic mutants we have demonstrated that loss of flagellum or motility results in a significant loss of virulence in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A flagellum plus revertant regained virulence. Isolated flagellar preparations have provided active protection in a burned mouse model. Passive protection with anti-flagellar sera (anti-LPS-free) showed specificity for flagellar type and gave significant protection in two different burned mouse models. The protective antibody is Immunoglobulin G. Again cross-protection among a-types was obtained. These preparations have been used in Western-blots to identify flagella antigen. Flagellar antibody has been shown to stimulate opsonophagocytosis. We have concluded from this research that flagella antigens show excellent potential as vaccine components and that two antigens, a -type and b-type would need to be included. (KT)