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  • Title: Specific proteolysis of human IgA by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae.
    Author: Mulks MH, Kornfeld SJ, Plaut AG.
    Journal: J Infect Dis; 1980 Apr; 141(4):450-6. PubMed ID: 6989925.
    Abstract:
    Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae are among the most common bacterial pathogens responsible for respiratory tract infections in otherwise healthy humans. Thirty-six strains of S. pneumoniae, 62 strains of H. influenzae, six hospital-acquired respiratory pathogens, and a strain of Streptococcus pyogenes were examined for production of IgA protease, a bacterial enzyme whose only known substrate is human IgA1. IgA protease was produced by 100% of the isolates of S. pneumoniae and 98% of the isolates of H. influenzae. The enzyme from both species cleaved human serum and secretory IgA1 proteins, but not human IgA2, IgG, or human serum albumin. None of the hospital-acquired pathogens had detectable IgA protease activity, a finding indicating that the production of this enzyme distinguishes S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae from the opporunistic respiratory pathogens.
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