Molecular Recognition of Complex Glycans by Antibodies and Dendritic Cell C-type Lectins

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Brucellosis causes spontaneous abortion in cattle and a serious debilitating malaise in humans who come in contact with infected animals. In Canada there are repositories of Brucella in wild animal populations (bison, elk, caribou) from which the disease can be spread to domestic cattle herds or humans. Because of the economic effect on the cattle business and the disease potential in humans, the US has spent $3.5 billion trying to vaccinate its cattle herds and is vigilant in tracking potential cases within herds. The current animal vaccine is an attenuated strain of Brucella but this creates an impractical situation. Presumptive diagnosis of brucellosis in animals and humans depends on detection of antibodies to Brucella cell surface polysaccharide antigens but is confounded because vaccinated animals manifest an antibody response similar to that observed in cattle infected by a virulent strain of Brucella.