Streptolysin S activation by lipoteichoic acid

Lipoteichoic acid from streptococci and Staphylococcus aureus both activated membrane-bound precursor streptolysin S and induced the formation of extracellular streptolysin S. Lipoteichoic acid could replace other substances, such as yeast ribonucleic acid core, that act as carriers for hemolysin but which are not components of the streptococcus or the host. Lipoteichoic acid may play a role as the physiological carrier of streptolysin S to host tissues.