ROLE OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS-AUREUS CELL-WALL PEPTIDOGLYCAN, TEICHOIC-ACID AND PROTEIN-A IN THE PROCESSES OF COMPLEMENT ACTIVATION AND OPSONIZATION

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  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 37  (3) , 615-621
Abstract
The role of cell wall peptidoglcyan [PG], teichoic acid and protein A in the processes of S. aureus [human] complement (C) activation and opsonization was investigated. CH50 [total hemolytic titer of C] consumption studies revealed that, although all cell-surface fractions could activate the classical C pathway, only PG consumed C via the alternative pathway. Using a quantitative immunofluorescence assay, PG bound C3 molecules via the classical and alternative C pathways and in the absence of Ig[immunoglobulin]G and IgA class antibodies. C activation via the classical and alternative pathways could be distinguished by kinetic analysis. By comparing the rates of staphylococcal C consumption, C3 fixation and opsonization the CH50 consumption assay is a relatively insensitive method and may yield results that do not necessarily reflect the process of bacterial opsonization.