[Gonococcal surface antigens and their significance for serotyping and vaccines].

Authors:
P K Kohl, T F Meyer, D Petzoldt
Year of publication:
1985
Volume:
36
Issue:
6
Issn:
0017-8470
Journal title abbreviated:
HAUTARZT
Journal title long:
Der Hautarzt
Impact factor:
0.681
Abstract:
Outer membrane components of Neisseria gonorrhoeae play an important role in the initial steps of infection. Precise knowledge about the surface antigens is needed for the development of a serotyping system and of a vaccine against local and systemic gonorrhea. Structure, antigenicity, and function of the best-known membrane components, i.e., lipopolysaccharide, protein I, protein II, protein III, and pili, are discussed. Lipopolysaccharide is a strong immunogen and induces bactericidal antibodies, but is unsuitable for use as a vaccine because of its toxicity. Protein I and protein III are stable proteins, not subject to antigenic variation. Antibodies against protein I, which are able to kill N. gonorrhoeae, are detectable in the serum of patients with disseminated gonococcal infection. Protein II and pili are highly variable antigens with constant, very slightly immunogenic regions. To interrupt the pathomechanism of gonococcal infection at different stages, future vaccines should contain more than one surface antigen.