Pseudomonas aeruginosa Protease IV: A Corneal Virulence Factor of Low Immunogenicity

Brett A. Thibodeaux Departments of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA

Armando R. Caballero Departments of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA

Joseph J. Dajcs Departments of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA

Mary E. Marquart Departments of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA

Lee S. Engel Departments of Microbiology, Immunology, Parasitology, and Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA

Richard J. O'Callaghan Departments of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, LSU Eye Center, New Orleans, LA, USA

Abstract

Purpose: To study antibody production to Pseudomonas aeruginosa protease IV (PIV) for immunoassay development and to assess the possible role of antibody in arresting corneal damage. Methods: Rabbits were immunized with PIV, urea-soluble recombinant PIV (rPIV), or precipitated rPIV. Antibody was analyzed by ELISA and Western blotting. Antibody-mediated inhibition of PIV activity was tested by colorimetric assay and during keratitis by slit-lamp examination of infected eyes. Results: Antibody was not produced after PIV immunization but was induced by rPIV. Rabbits immunized first with soluble and then precipitated rPIV produced high titers (log₁₀) to rPIV (4.28 ± 0.09) and significantly higher titers to PIV (3.90 ± 0.06) compared to the other immunized groups. Antibody to rPIV reacted with PIV, but neither neutralized enzyme activity in vitro nor protected infected rabbits in vivo. Conclusions: The present study demonstrates that PIV is a virulence factor which can escape a protective immune response.

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Pseudomonas aeruginosa Protease IV: A Corneal Virulence Factor of Low Immunogenicity

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Pseudomonas aeruginosa Protease IV: A Corneal Virulence Factor of Low Immunogenicity

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