Coupled phase-variable expression and epitope masking of selective surfacelipoproteins increase surface phenotypic diversity in Mycoplasma hominis

Authors
Zhang, QJ Wise, KS
Citation
Qj. Zhang et Ks. Wise, Coupled phase-variable expression and epitope masking of selective surfacelipoproteins increase surface phenotypic diversity in Mycoplasma hominis, INFEC IMMUN, 69(8), 2001, pp. 5177-5181
Citations number
29
Categorie Soggetti
Immunology
Journal title
INFECTION AND IMMUNITY
ISSN journal
00199567 → ACNP
Volume
69
Issue
8
Year of publication
2001
Pages
5177 - 5181
Database
ISI
SICI code
0019-9567(200108)69:8<5177:CPEAEM>2.0.ZU;2-6
Abstract
A new mechanism expanding mycoplasmal surface diversity is described. Expos ure of surface epitopes on a constitutively expressed membrane protein (P56 ) of Mycoplasma hominis was subject to high-frequency phase variation due t o phase-variable expression of the P120 antigen and its selective masking o f P56 epitopes. Phase-variable masking may confer previously unrealized ada ptive capabilities on mycoplasmas.