Exemplification of serological cross-reactivity of Neisseria lipopolysaccharides.

Antibodies against the Gc2 serotype determinant of gonococcal lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and antisera against strains of meningococci were tested by ELISA against the Gc2 LPS, and the antibodies examined for inhibition by bacteria of prototype strains of gonococci and meningococci. From one of the anti-meningococcal sera and anti-lactose (anti-lac) type of antibody was isolated. The results showed that antigenic sites belonging to the serotype, variable, and common sets of determinants as defined for gonococcal LPSs, may cross-react with meningococci. The anti-lac antibody combined with all of 34 strains of gonococci, with 41 out of 44 strains of meningococci tested, and with a Neisseria cinerea strain. The anti-lac showed no reactivity with any of a number of other Gram-negative cocci or bacilli examined. The results indicate that LPS from most strains of the pathogenic Neisseria species share a lactosyl moiety, presumably an inner core structure, of similar or identical configuration.