RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HOST HISTONES AND ARMADILLO-DERIVED MYCOBACTERIUM-LEPRAE

A major protein previously recognized as being primarily associated wi th the cell walls of Mycobacterium leprae, major wall protein (MWP), i s now identified as histoprotein H2b based on N-terminal amino-acid se quencing, electrophoretic comparisons, and several other properties. A n avid association between several host/armadillo-derived histones and M. leprae was demonstrated. Since such armadillo-derived M. leprae ar e the basis of several ongoing vaccine trials, a simple procedure that permits the prompt solubilization and quantification of histones in M . leprae preparations is described. The quantity of histones associate d with M. leprae is significant, ranging from 0.6 to 4.8 mu g of histo protein H2b per mg of bacteria.