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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Albany, California » Western Regional Research Center » Foodborne Toxin Detection and Prevention Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #286149
Title: Prediction of B-cell epitopes in Listeriolysin O, a cholesterol-dependent cytolysin secreted by Listeria monocytogenes

Author
item Jones, Morris
item Carter, John

Submitted to: Advances in Bioinformatics
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/8/2013
Publication Date: 1/2/2014
Citation: Jones, M.S., Carter, J.M. 2014. Prediction of B-cell epitopes in Listeriolysin O, a cholesterol-dependent cytolysin secreted by Listeria monocytogenes. Advances in Bioinformatics. DOI: org/10.1155/2014/871676.

Interpretive Summary: Listeria monocytogenes, a foodborne bacterium that causes disease in humans, is responsible for approximately 1600 clinical cases annually in the United States and there is a need for a sensitive yet inexpensive test. We studied one protein required by the bacteria for producing disease, called LLO. Using computer analysis we showed that parts of LLO could be used to develop a diagnostic test for the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. This work will help public health professionals track outbreaks and reduce disease.

Technical Abstract: Listeria monocytogenes is a gram-positive, foodborne bacterium responsible for disease in humans and animals. Listeriolysin O(LLO)is a required virulence factor for the pathogenic effects of L. monocytogenes. Bioinformatic analysis revealed conserved epitopes of LLO that could be used to develop monoclonal antibodies against LLO. Continuous and discontinuous epitopes were located with three different software programs. Three-dimensional molecular models were generated to confirm the predicted antigenicity of LLO. Domain 4 was predicted to contain five of eleven continuous epitopes. A large portion of domain 4 was also predicted to comprise discontinuous immunogenic epitopes. Domain 4 of LLO may serve as an immunogen for eliciting monoclonal antibodies that can be used to study the pathogenesis of L. monocytogenes.