Jorunn Eriksen

Multiple M-components in a single individual—I: The structural relationship of two serum γMκ M-components as revealed by combining specificity and individual antigenic specificity

Abstract A serum (To) from a patient with asymptotic Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia contained two γMκ M-components which differed from each other with respect to combining specificity, individual antigenic specificity and electrophoretic mobility. The predominant M-component precipitated with an acid polysaccharide from Klebsiella ozaenae and with an unidentified component of agar. The precipitation was completely inhibited by 0·0.4 M dinitrophenol, but the M-component did not precipitate with hemocyanine heavily conjugated with trinitrophenyl groups (TNP-HCy). By analytical ultracentrifugation, the Fab fragment of the γM molecule was found to contain the active site. The specificity of the reaction was high, since the M-component discriminated between two acid polysaccharides produced by a homogeneous bacterial type and failed to precipitate with many acid polysaccharides from various sources. The other M-component precipitated weakly with TNP-HCy but not with the bacterial polysaccharide or agar. Antisera against each M-component defined individually specific antigenic determinants, some of which were present on both M-components, while others were unique for each individual M-component. The individually specific determinants of the predominant M-component were located on the Fab fragments. The slight net charge difference between the M-components was also found on the Fab fragments.

Characterization of a new group specific antigen ofStreptococcus sanguis

The new serological group ofStreptococcus sanguis provisionally ealled “group 10043” has been examined The group specific polysaccharide antigen was isolated and compared serologically and chemically with group H antigen fromS. sanguis strain 13843 and strain NCTC 7868 Challis. The results confirm thatS. sangruis strain 10043 (NCTC 11085, ATCC 29667) contains a new antigen which does not react in anti-group H serum, nor in other grouping sera against groups A through V. The group specific antigen isolated from strain 10043 does not contain rhamnose in contrast to the group H antigen. The new antigen appears to be analogous to the other streptococcal group antigens and to deserve recognition as such. The designation W is suggested for the new group antigen. All three antigens examined contain glucose.