Anti-CAMP1 IgG promotes macrophage phagocytosis of Cutibacterium acnes Type II

Among 5 types of the Christie-Atkins-Munch-Petersen factor (CAMP) of Cutibacterium acnes, CAMP1 is highly expressed in phylotype II as well as IB, and thought to be a virulence factor of opportunistic but fatal blood, soft tissue, and implant-related infections. The target of a human single-chain variable antibody fragment (scFv), recently isolated from a phage display library, has been identified as CAMP1 of phylotype II, using immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry, phage display peptide biopanning, 3D-modelling, and ELISA. The IgG1 format of the antibody could enhance phagocytosis of C. acnes DMST 14916 by THP-1 human monocytes. Our results suggest that the antibody-dependent phagocytosis process is mediated by the caveolae membrane system and involves the induction of IL-1β. This is the first report on the study of a human antibody against CAMP1 of C. acnes phylotype II, of which a potential use as therapeutic antibody against virulence C. acnes infection is postulated.