Binding of human immunoglobulin M to Staphylococcus aureus bearing protein A

Human immunoglobulin M binds to protein A-bearing Staphylococcus aureus. This binding is specific for protein A since it is inhibited by rabbit Fab against Staphylococcal protein A. Analysis of the IgM binding data gives an apparent KD of 0.94 nM and a maximum capacity of approximately 2 X 10(3) binding sites of IgM per bacteria.