The Journal of Experimental Medicine, Vol 131, 1039-1047,
Copyright © 1970 by The Rockefeller University Press
INDIRECT VISUALIZATION OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS PROTEIN A
D. Scott Nickerson 1,
James G. White M.D.1,
Göran Kronvall M.D.1,
Ralph C. Williams Jr. M.D.1, and
Paul G. Quie M.D.1
1 From the Department of Pediatrics, University Hospitals, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, and the Department of Medicine, Bernalillo County Medical Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87100
Specific but nonimmunologic reaction between staphylococcal protein A and the Fc portion of gamma globulin provided the basis for ultrastructural studies to determine the localization of protein A, using intact staphylococci and labeled myeloma gamma G-globulin.
Protein A appeared to be part of the outermost layer of the staphylococcal cell wall. Strains with protein A demonstrated a coating of myeloma globulin over the entire bacterial surface. There was no coating of strains without protein A.
Identification of protein A on the surface of the staphylococcal cell wall provides evidence that this may be the first material in contact with host environment. It probably accounts for apparent cross-reactions of staphylococci with antibodies to many antigens. More importantly, even in the nonimmune host protein A immunoglobulin reactivity may initiate complement activation and inflammatory reactions including chemotaxis and pus formation.
Submitted on December 7, 1969