Nature of Serum Factors Causing Agglutination of Sensitized Sheep Cells and Group A Hemolytic Streptococci.

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Abstract
A factor in serum from patients with rheumatoid arthritis responsible for the agglutination of sensitized sheep cells (SSC factor) was again found to be in the gamma globulin fraction of serum precipitated by dilution with cold water. Two components are necessary, however, for the streptococcus agglutination system (SA reaction): (1) is a gamma globulin or is closely associated with these globulins and is related to but not identical with the SSC factor as determined by absorption experiments; (2) a water soluble component found as well in normal human adult serum. It is suggested the first part of the SA reaction represents a union between the streptococci and the nonspecific factor. After this, the specific component completes the reaction causing agglutination of the streptococci.