Binding sites of mosquitocidal toxins of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus subtilis on pupae and larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus

J Immunoassay Immunochem. 2015;36(1):54-62. doi: 10.1080/15321819.2014.895744.

Abstract

Two of the potential bacterial isolates, viz., Pseudomonas fluorescens (VCRC B-426) and Bacillus subtilis (VCRC B-471) whose toxins kill the mosquito pupae/larvae have been identified at our center. As the mode of action of these bacteria are not known, an attempt was made to find out the binding sites of the toxic proteins through immunological methods. Antibodies were raised in BALB/c mice and egg yolk system of chicken layers against the mosquitocidal proteins. The antibodies showed specific binding on to the cephalic and thoracic cuticle of the pupae as well as the paddles of the larvae, indicating the binding of the mosquitocidal proteins.

Keywords: bacillus subtilis; binding sites; egg yolk antibodies; mosquitocidal proteins; pseudomonas fluorescens.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies / immunology
  • Bacillus subtilis / chemistry*
  • Bacterial Toxins / chemistry
  • Bacterial Toxins / pharmacology*
  • Binding Sites / drug effects
  • Chickens
  • Culex / drug effects*
  • Larva / drug effects
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Pseudomonas fluorescens / chemistry*
  • Pupa / drug effects

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • Bacterial Toxins