Open AccessCoupled Phase-Variable Expression and Epitope Masking of Selective Surface Lipoproteins Increase Surface Phenotypic Diversity in Mycoplasma hominis
Author(s) -
Qijing Zhang,
Kim S. Wise
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
infection and immunity
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.508
H-Index - 220
eISSN - 1070-6313
pISSN - 0019-9567
DOI - 10.1128/iai.69.8.5177-5181.2001
Subject(s) - epitope , biology , phase variation , antigenic variation , masking (illustration) , phenotype , antigen , mycoplasma hominis , mycoplasma , microbiology and biotechnology , genetics , gene , art , visual arts
A new mechanism expanding mycoplasmal surface diversity is described. Exposure of surface epitopes on a constitutively expressed membrane protein (P56) of Mycoplasma hominis was subject to high-frequency phase variation due to phase-variable expression of the P120 antigen and its selective masking of P56 epitopes. Phase-variable masking may confer previously unrealized adaptive capabilities on mycoplasmas.