Structural and Functional Properties and Biological Activity of the Capsule Antigen 'Murine' Toxin and Yersinia Pestis Endotoxin

Abstract : The capsule antigen, the 'murine' toxin and endotoxin are important structural components of the Y. pestis cells. The participation of these antigens in implementation of plague pathogen pathogenicity is generally acknowledged. Since they were produced in relatively pure form a large number of often contradictory works have been published studying the physical and chemical properties, biological, serological, protective activity and genetics of these substances. The volume of this article does not allow us to encompass all of these aspects. We focused primary attention on analyzing the data that have been accumulated by now regarding the structure and biological properties of these antigens.