SURFACE-ASSOCIATED PROTEINS OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS-AUREUS - THEIR POSSIBLEROLES IN VIRULENCE

A class of proteins that are associated with the cell surface of Gram- positive bacteria has been recognised. Common structural features whic h are implicated in the proper secretion and attachment of these prote ins to the cell surface occur in the C-termini. N-terminal domains int eract with the host by binding to soluble host proteins, to matrix pro teins or to host cells. They probably have important roles in pathogen icity by allowing bacteria to avoid host defences and by acting as adh esins. Four such proteins of Staphylococcus aureus have been character ised: protein A (immunoglobulin binding protein), fibronectin binding proteins, collagen binding protein and the fibrinogen binding protein (clumping factor). Site-specific mutants are being used to define thei r roles in pathogenesis in in vitro and in vivo models of adherence an d infection.