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Lysozyme: primary bactericidin in human plasma serum active against Bacillus subtilis
Infection and Immunity
|June 1, 1978
Summary
Human plasma serum kills Bacillus subtilis primarily via lysozyme at low concentrations. At higher concentrations, a separate, lysozyme-independent bactericidal mechanism also becomes active against these bacteria.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Bacillus subtilis is a common bacterium.
- Human plasma serum possesses bactericidal properties.
- Lysozyme is an enzyme with known antimicrobial activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro bactericidal activity of human plasma serum against Bacillus subtilis.
- To determine the role of lysozyme in the serum's bactericidal effect.
- To identify potential lysozyme-independent bactericidal mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Purification of human lysozyme to homogeneity.
- Preparation of antiserum against human lysozyme.
- Utilizing anti-lysozyme immunoglobulin G as a specific inhibitor.
- Assessing bactericidal and bacteriolytic reactions in vitro.
Main Results:
- At low human plasma serum concentrations, lysozyme was identified as the principal bactericide against Bacillus subtilis.
- At higher serum concentrations, a distinct bactericidal activity independent of lysozyme was observed.
- Anti-lysozyme immunoglobulin G effectively inhibited lysozyme-mediated bactericidal reactions.
Conclusions:
- Lysozyme is a key component of human plasma serum's bactericidal action against Bacillus subtilis at lower concentrations.
- Human plasma serum exhibits a secondary, lysozyme-independent bactericidal mechanism effective at higher concentrations.
- These findings contribute to understanding innate immunity and host-pathogen interactions.