Immuno-blot analysis of antigens of Mycobacterium w: a candidate anti-leprosy vaccine using monoclonal antibodies and patient sera.

The presence of determinants immunologically cross-reactive with M. leprae and M. tuberculosis in Mycobacterium w (M. w) has been revealed by immunoblotting using cross-reactive and specific monoclonal antibodies (Moabs) to M. leprae and M. tuberculosis. Three of the seven M. leprae and one of the two M. tuberculosis "specific" Moabs showed reactivity with M. w antigens. Reactions were also manifest with cross-reactive Moabs. One out of the three Moabs raised to M. leprae and three of six to M. tuberculosis demonstrated reactivity with M. w antigens. Extensive reactivity of M. w antigens was also observed with patient sera; sera from leprosy patients reacted prominently with M. w antigens at 14-17 KDa and sera of active tuberculosis patients exhibited reactivity at 21 KDa antigens of M. w. Four out of 30 healthy individuals living in an endemic area showed reactivity with M. w antigens.