Immunology lactamases

Bacteria produce chromosomady and R-plasmid (resistance factor) mediated P-lactamases. The plasmid-mediated enzymes can cross interspecific and intergeneric boundaries. This transfer of resistance via plasmid transfer between strains and even species has enhanced the problems of P-lactam antibiotic resistance. Many species previously controded by P-lactam antibiotics are now resistant. The chromosomal P-lactamases are species specific, but can be broadly classified by substrate profile, sensitivity to inhibitors, analytical isoelectric focusing, immunological studies, and molecular weight deterrnination. Individual enzymes may inactivate primarily penicillins, cephalosporins, or both, and the substrate specificity predeterrnines the antibiotic resistance of the producing strain. Some P-lactamases are produced only in the presence of the P-lactam antibiotic (inducible) and others are produced continuously (constitutive). 

The penicillins share features of chemistry, mechanism of action, pharmacology, and immunologic characteristics with cephalosporins, monobactams, carbapenems, and -lactamase inhibitors. All are 3-lactam compounds, so named because of their unique four-membered lactam ring. 

The immunology of /3-lactamases has been studied fairly extensively 16,23,41, 43, 70,115,121-124) and reviewed elsewhere 70,125). At the molecular level, differences in antigenicity could be usually correlated with differences in composition and physical properties 70). On the other hand, reversible changes in antigenicity—without apparent loss of activity—could be correlated with reversible conformational transitions 52). 

Vrudhula, V. M. Kerr, D. E. Siemers, N. O. Dubowchik, G. M. Senter, P. D. Cephalosporin prodrugs of paclitaxel for immunologically specific activation by L-49-sFv-p-lactamase fusion protein. Bioorg. Med. Chem., 2003, 13 539-542. 

Vol. XLin [6]. Immunological Techniques for Studying j3-Lactamases. M. H. Richmond and V. Betina. 

Garratty G, Arndt PA. Positive direct antiglobuhn tests and haemolytic anaemia following therapy with beta-lactamase inhibitor containing drugs may be associated with non-immunologic adsorption of protein onto red blood cells. Br J Haematol 1998 100(4) 777-83. 

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