Recognition of carbohydrate and protein epitopes by monoclonal antibodies to a cell wall antigen from Streptococcus mutans.

The nature of the determinants recognized by a panel of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) raised against a cell wall antigen of Streptococcus mutans (SA I/II) was investigated. Mild periodate oxidation of SA I/II showed that MAbs Guy 1, 2, 3, and 5 recognized carbohydrate epitopes on the antigen. Glycosidases were used to identify the nature of the sugars involved in their binding. Treatment with beta-glucosidase inhibited the binding of Guy 1, 2, 3, and 5 by 90%. No competition was found for any of the MAbs between SA I/II and a series of carbohydrates, including the serotype c polysaccharide from S. mutans. The results show that MAbs Guy 1, 2, 3, and 5 recognize carbohydrate epitopes on SA I/II which are distinct from the serotype polysaccharide. The other MAbs recognized protein epitopes on SA I/II.