Monoclonal antibodies raised against Pap fimbriae recognize minor component(s) involved in receptor binding.

Pap fimbriae were purified from a recombinant strain and used for the production of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). These MAbs were screened in a fimbriae ELISA with eight different P fimbriae as well as 1A and 1C fimbriae. Five MAbs were specific for Pap fimbriae whereas one MAb did react with Pap, F7(2) and F11 fimbriae. Previously, we described two F11 MAbs which also reacted with Pap, F7(2) and F11 fimbriae. In a whole bacteria ELISA it was shown that the MAbs, which recognized Pap, F7(2) and F11 fimbriae, reacted with recombinant strains which did not express Pap or F11 fimbriae, but still expressed the globoside binding properties. Not one of the five MAbs which are specific for Pap fimbriae reacted with these globoside binding recombinant strains. In a haemagglutination and adherence assay it was shown that only the MAbs which recognized the Pap, F7(2) and F11 fimbriae inhibited the adhesive properties of the globoside binding recombinant strain. Therefore it is concluded that in the present study MAbs are presented which recognize the minor components responsible for adhesion.