Functional variation of the antigen I/II surface protein in Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus intermedius.

ABSTRACT: Although Streptococcus intermedius and Streptococcus mutans are regarded as members of the commensal microflora of the body, S. intermedius is often associated with deep-seated purulent infections, whereas S. mutans is frequently associated with dental caries. In this study, we investigated the roles of the S. mutans and S. intermedius antigen I/II proteins in adhesion and modulation of cell surface characteristics. By using isogenic mutants, we show that the antigen I/II in S. mutans, but not in S. intermedius, was involved in adhesion to a salivary film under flowing conditions, as well as in binding to rat collagen type I. Binding to human fibronectin was a common function associated with the S. mutans and S. intermedius antigen I/II. Adhesion of S. mutans or S. intermedius to human col

SUBMITTER: Petersen FC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC127646 | biostudies-literature | 2002 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature