Binding of human complement component C4b-binding protein (C4BP) to Streptococcus pyogenes involves the C4b-binding...

A key step in the elimination of invading pathogens from the body is the covalent binding of complement proteins C3b and C4b to their surface. However, many pathogens have evolved mechanisms to avoid the complement system of the host. Understanding how these mechanisms work may lead to more efficacious forms of therapy. Here we provide an insight into the molecular basis of how Streptococcus pyogenes binds human plasma C4b-binding protein (hC4BP), a complement regulatory molecule that may decrease C3b and C4b deposition on the streptococcal surface. We show that streptococcal surface molecules bind to a site on hC4BP that is indistinguishable from the C4b binding site. This site involves multiple binding surfaces that span short consensus repeats 1 to 3 of the alpha-chain of hC4BP. We propose that hC4BP is bound to the bacterial surface because the streptococcal surface molecules involved in the interaction mimic human C4b epitopes.