Immunobiological Properties of <i>Francisella tularensis</i> Antigen Complexes

Abstract

Carried out are the studies of preparations of Francisella tularensis antigen complexes, obtained from the producer strains of different subspecies (holarctica, nearctica, mediasiatica, novicida). It is discovered that the outer-membrane (OM) antigen complex is a common antigen of Francisella tularensis regardless of its sub-specific origin. Antigen complexes isolated from strains of holarctica, nearctica, and mediasiatica subspecies have similar chemical and subunit composition, and immunobiological properties. Peculiarities of composition of F. tularensis subsp. novicida OM-antigen complex lead to the decrease of its immunogenicity and protective capability in comparison with analogous antigens of other subspecies.

Keywords

• <i>francisella tularensis</i>
• subspecies of tularemia agent
• antigens
• immunogenicity
• protective capability