C1q binding and complement activation by capsular and cell wall components of S. pneumoniae type XIX

Cell wall components (purified cell walls, teichoic acid and residual cell walls) from S. pneumoniae type XIX showed antibody independent C1q binding capacity, as assessed by C1q deviation test, with teichoic acid being the most efficient. Specific capsular substance did not bind C1q. All substances tested produced C1 activation in normal human serum, but not in hypo-gamma-globulinemic serum. Thus, teichoic acid showed high C1q binding capacity but did not activate C1 in the absence of antibodies. Teichoic acid was an effective activator of alternative pathway. Specific capsular substance did not activate the alternative pathway in C1q deficient serum or in Mg2+ -EGTA chelated normal serum.