Identification of pneumococcal surface protein A as a lactoferrin-binding protein of Streptococcus pneumoniae.

ABSTRACT: Lactoferrin (Lf), an iron-sequestering glycoprotein, predominates in mucosal secretions, where the level of free extracellular iron (10(-18) M) is not sufficient for bacterial growth. This represents a mechanism of resistance to bacterial infections by prevention of colonization of the host by pathogens. In this study we were able to show that Streptococcus pneumoniae specifically recognizes and binds the iron carrier protein human Lf (hLf). Pretreatment of pneumococci with proteases reduced hLf binding significantly, indicating that the hLf receptor is proteinaceous. Binding assays performed with 63 clinical isolates belonging to different serotypes showed that 88% of the tested isolates interacted with hLf. Scatchard analysis showed the existence of two hLf-binding proteins with dissocia

SUBMITTER: Hammerschmidt S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC96514 | biostudies-literature | 1999 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature