Genetic alteration of capsule type but not PspA type affects accessibility of surface-bound complement and surface antigens of Streptococcus pneumoniae.

ABSTRACT: The Streptococcus pneumoniae capsular polysaccharides and pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) are major determinants of virulence that are antigenically variable and capable of eliciting protective immune responses. By genetically switching the pspA genes of the capsule type 2 strain D39 and the capsule type 3 strain WU2, we showed that the different abilities of antibody to PspA to protect against these strains was not related to the PspA type expressed. Similarly, the level of specific antibody binding to PspA, other surface antigens, and surface-localized C3b did not depend on the PspA type but instead was correlated with the capsule type. The type 3 strain WU2 and an isogenic derivative of D39 that expresses the type 3 capsule bound nearly identical amounts of antibody to PspA and ot

SUBMITTER: Abeyta M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC143148 | biostudies-literature | 2003 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature