Characterization of an antigenic oligosaccharide from Leptospira interrogans serovar pomona and its role in immunity.

An antigenic oligosaccharide fraction derived from the lipopolysaccharide of Leptospira interrogans serovar pomona was isolated by endo-glycosidase H digestion and column chromatography. The oligosaccharide contained rhamnose, ribose, glucose, and glucosamine and inhibited the binding of opsonic, protective monoclonal antibodies directed against the lipopolysaccharide. When conjugated to diphtheria toxoid, the oligosaccharide elicited the production of agglutinating, opsonic antibodies.