Specific proteolysis of human IgA by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae

Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae are among the most common bacterial pathogens responsible for respiratory tract infections in otherwise healthy humans. Thirty-six strains of S. pneumoniae, 62 strains of H. influenzae, six hospital-acquired respiratory pathogens, and a strain of Streptococcus pyogenes were examined for production of IgA protease, a bacterial enzyme whose only known substrate is human IgA1. IgA protease was produced by 100% of the isolates of S. pneumoniae and 98% of the isolates of H. influenzae. The enzyme from both species cleaved human serum and secretory IgA1 proteins, but not human IgA2, IgG, or human serum albumin. None of the hospital-acquired pathogens had detectable IgA protease activity, a finding indicating that the production of this enzyme distinguishes S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae from the opporunistic respiratory pathogens.