Purified streptococcal M protein extracted by nonionic detergent was used in an RIA and a solid-phase radiocompetitive inhibition assay to determine the nature of the immune response in both human beings and hyperimmunized rabbits to this complex antiphagocytic antigen. Results indicate that a type-specific response to an M antigen with the development of opsonic antibodies is the result of antibodies directed against the majority of the antigenic determinants of the molecule. Cross-reactions between certain M types on the other hand, are represented by antibodies directed against only a small percentage of these antigenic determinants. Results also suggest that avidity may play a role in the action of opsonic antibodies. However, the data indicate that factors besides avidity (i.e. sites bound by the antibodies) also seem essential for opsonization.
Article|
October 01 1977
Streptococcal M protein extracted by nonionic detergent. II. Analysis of the antibody response to the multiple antigenic determinants of the M-protein molecule.
V A Fischetti
Online ISSN: 1540-9538
Print ISSN: 0022-1007
J Exp Med (1977) 146 (4): 1108–1123.
Citation
V A Fischetti; Streptococcal M protein extracted by nonionic detergent. II. Analysis of the antibody response to the multiple antigenic determinants of the M-protein molecule.. J Exp Med 1 October 1977; 146 (4): 1108–1123. doi: https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.146.4.1108
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