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Opsonization of Treponema pallidum is mediated by immunoglobulin G antibodies induced only by pathogenic treponemes. |
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| Authors: | J M Shaffer S A Baker-Zander and S A Lukehart |
| Abstract: | Rabbit antisera to Leptospira interrogans, Borrelia hermsii, and Treponema phagedenis biotype Reiter, reactive to shared spirochetal antigens, failed to enhance phagocytosis of Treponema pallidum by macrophages, while immunoglobulin G to Treponema pallidum subsp. pertenue and Treponema paraluiscuniculi promoted phagocytosis. Opsonic antibodies are directed to pathogen-restricted, not shared spirochetal, antigens. |
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