Abstract
A nonhemolytic, nonlethal variant of Staphylococcus aureus alpha-toxin constructed via oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis and containing a single amino acid substitution (H-35 to L) was used to immunize a rabbit. The resulting antiserum was cross-reactive with wild-type alpha-toxin and neutralized its hemolytic activity in vitro. Passive immunization of mice with rabbit antiserum conferred protection against lethal challenge with wild-type alpha-toxin and against acute lethal challenge with a high-alpha-toxin -producing S. aureus strain. H35L alpha-toxin may be useful as a protective immunogen in S. aureus vaccine studies.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Antibodies, Bacterial / administration & dosage*
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Bacterial Toxins / genetics
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Bacterial Toxins / immunology*
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Bacterial Toxins / toxicity
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Bacterial Vaccines / administration & dosage
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Cross Reactions
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Hemolysin Proteins / genetics
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Hemolysin Proteins / immunology*
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Hemolysin Proteins / toxicity
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Immunization, Passive*
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In Vitro Techniques
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Male
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Mice
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Mutagenesis, Site-Directed
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Neutralization Tests
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Point Mutation
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Rabbits
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Staphylococcal Infections / immunology
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Staphylococcal Infections / prevention & control*
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Staphylococcus aureus / genetics
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Staphylococcus aureus / immunology*
Substances
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Antibodies, Bacterial
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Bacterial Toxins
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Bacterial Vaccines
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Hemolysin Proteins
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staphylococcal alpha-toxin