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Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Bacterial Peptide Display for the Selection of Novel Biotinylating Enzymes
Published on: October 3, 2019
IdeS: a bacterial proteolytic enzyme with therapeutic potential
Björn P Johansson1, Oonagh Shannon, Lars Björck
1Division of Infection Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Biomedical Center (BMC), Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
Streptococcus pyogenes IdeS proteinase rapidly and specifically degrades immunoglobulin G (IgG) in vitro and in vivo. This enzyme effectively treated a lethal mouse model of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), suggesting potential for human IgG-driven diseases.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Enzymology
Background:
- Pathogenic immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies contribute to autoimmune diseases and transplant rejection.
- Effective removal of pathogenic IgG is a significant clinical challenge.
- IdeS is a proteinase from Streptococcus pyogenes with specific IgG-cleaving activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro and in vivo IgG-cleaving activity of IdeS.
- To evaluate the therapeutic potential of IdeS in an animal model.
Main Methods:
- In vitro degradation of human IgG in whole blood using IdeS.
- In vivo clearance of rabbit IgG after IdeS administration.
- Treatment of a mouse model of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) with IdeS.
Main Results:
- IdeS efficiently cleaved IgG in human blood within 15 minutes.
- IdeS administration resulted in complete IgG clearance from rabbit bloodstream within six hours, with no observed side effects.
- A single IdeS injection cured mice with lethal ITP induced by anti-platelet IgG.
Conclusions:
- IdeS demonstrates potent and specific IgG-cleaving activity in vitro and in vivo.
- The rapid IgG elimination and therapeutic efficacy in an ITP model suggest IdeS as a potential treatment for IgG-mediated human diseases.
- IdeS shows promise for treating autoimmune conditions and preventing transplant rejection.
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