Revealing microbial recognition by specific antibodies

Simón-Soro, Á., D’Auria, G., Collado, M. C., Džunková, M., Culshaw, S. and Mira, A. (2015) Revealing microbial recognition by specific antibodies. BMC Microbiology, 15, 132. (doi: 10.1186/s12866-015-0456-y) (PMID:26134992) (PMCID:PMC4489363)

Abstract

Background: Recognition of microorganisms by antibodies is a vital component of the human immune response. However, there is currently very limited understanding of immune recognition of 50 % of the human microbiome which is made up of as yet un-culturable bacteria. We have combined the use of flow cytometry and pyrosequencing to describe the microbial composition of human samples, and its interaction with the immune system. Results: We show the power of the technique in human faecal, saliva, oral biofilm and breast milk samples, labeled with fluorescent anti-IgG or anti-IgA antibodies. Using Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting (FACS), bacterial cells were separated depending on whether they are coated with IgA or IgG antibodies. Each bacterial population was PCR-amplified and pyrosequenced, characterizing the microorganisms which evade the immune system and those which were recognized by each immunoglobulin. Conclusions: The application of the technique to healthy and diseased individuals may unravel the contribution of the immune response to microbial infections and polymicrobial diseases.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Culshaw, Professor Shauna
• Authors: Simón-Soro, Á., D’Auria, G., Collado, M. C., Džunková, M., Culshaw, S., and Mira, A.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Dental School
• Journal Name: BMC Microbiology
• Publisher: BioMed Central
• ISSN: 1471-2180
• ISSN (Online): 1471-2180
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2015 The Authors
• First Published: First published in BMC Microbiology 15:132
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License