Expression of antigens encoded by the virulence plasmid of Yersinia enterocolitica under different growth conditions.

The expression of polypeptides of the virulence plasmid of Yersinia enterocolitica serotype O:3 was studied with the immunoblotting technique and specifically absorbed antisera to Y. enterocolitica O:3. At least 16 polypeptides were apparently specified by the virulence plasmid when plasmid-bearing bacterial were grown at 37 degrees C or intraperitoneally in semipermeable capsules. The different growth media used (also with added Ca2+) had quantitatively or qualitatively only a little influence on the expression of these polypeptides, whereas the growth temperature had a stronger influence. The best expression was achieved at 37 degrees C, at 22 degrees C the expression was weak, and at 4 degrees C the plasmid genes were inactive. Two chromosomally encoded polypeptides were expressed only at 37 degrees C, whereas the expression of eight polypeptides expressed at 22 degrees C was repressed at 37 degrees C. The intraperitoneal growth in capsules was used to detect the virulence plasmid-associated polypeptides of Yersinia pestis. Four plasmid-associated polypeptides were detected in Y. pestis with antiserum to Y. enterocolitica virulence plasmid antigens, and three were detected with antiserum to Y. pestis EV76. These results suggested that the virulence plasmid of Y. pestis was activated in the interstitial environment in vivo, where Ca2+ concentration was high, and also that the virulence plasmids of Y. enterocolitica and Y. pestis have three to four immunologically related polypeptides in common.