Interactions of plasma proteins with group A, B, C and G streptococci

Streptococci of serological groups A, B, C and G displayed different binding activities for plasma proteins. Most of the streptococci studied, except those of group B, bound immunoglobulin G. All streptococci reacted with fibrinogen and, except those of group B, with fibronectin. The majority of streptococci, but none of group B, had an affinity for alpha 2-macroglobulin. Albumin was bound by all cultures of group G and a few of group C. Haptoglobulin interacted with only 1 group A culture. None of the streptococci bound transferrin. The specificity of binding sites for 125I-labelled plasma proteins was revealed in a series of inhibition experiments with the unlabelled proteins. The binding sites on streptococci of group G showed different sensitivities to trypsin and pepsin. Reactivities for immunoglobulin G, however, remained unaffected after treatments of the streptococci with trypsin. Exposure to heat (30 min, 80 degrees C) partially inactivated binding activities for the plasma proteins. Sodium dodecyl-sulphate and acetylimidazole strongly reduced binding of albumin and to a lesser extent that of alpha 2-macroglobulin. They had no or little effect on the interaction with the other plasma proteins. Dioxane decreased almost all binding activities. Ethanol partially diminished the binding of immunoglobulin G, fibrinogen, fibronectin and alpha 2-macroglobulin. Treatments of group G streptococci with guanidine, urea, formamide or methanol-HC1 did not affect their plasma protein binding activities.