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Streptococcus pyogenes cell wall protein responsible for binding to pharyngeal epithelial cells
1Department of Bacteriology, National Institute of Hygiene, Warszawa, Poland.
Zentralblatt Fur Bakteriologie, Mikrobiologie, Und Hygiene. Series A, Medical Microbiology, Infectious Diseases, Virology, Parasitology
|June 1, 1987
Summary
Researchers identified a streptococcal cell wall protein, closely linked to M antigen, that binds to pharyngeal epithelial cells. This adhesin plays a key role in Group A Streptococcus attachment to throat cells.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a significant human pathogen.
- Understanding bacterial adhesion mechanisms is crucial for preventing infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the streptococcal cell wall substance responsible for binding to pharyngeal epithelial cells.
- To characterize the properties of this adhesive substance.
Main Methods:
- Sonicated M+ and M- strains of Streptococcus were prepared.
- Water-soluble cell wall fractions were incubated with pharyngeal and buccal epithelial cells.
- Electrophoretic analysis (SDS-PAGE) and Western blotting were used to identify changes in protein composition.
Main Results:
- A specific 35,000 Dalton protein band disappeared from M+ samples after incubation with pharyngeal cells, but not buccal cells.
- This protein was not precipitated by anti-M protein serum, suggesting it's distinct from M protein but associated.
- No changes were observed in M- strains or with buccal cell incubations.
Conclusions:
- A protein associated with the M antigen is identified as a key adhesin for Group A Streptococcus binding to pharyngeal epithelial cells.
- This adhesin is critical for the initial colonization of the throat by GAS.
- Further research into this adhesin could lead to novel therapeutic strategies.