Identification of a secreted cholesterol-dependent cytolysin (mitilysin) from Streptococcus mitis

Jefferies, J., Nieminen, L., Kirkham, L.A., Johnston, C., Smith, A. and Mitchell, T.J. (2007) Identification of a secreted cholesterol-dependent cytolysin (mitilysin) from Streptococcus mitis. Journal of Bacteriology, 189(2), pp. 627-632.

Abstract

We have detected a cholesterol-dependent cytolysin, which we have named mitilysin, in a small number of <i>Streptococcus mitis</i> isolates. We have sequenced the mitilysin gene from seven isolates of <i>S. mitis</i>. Comparisons with the pneumococcal pneumolysin gene show 15 amino acid substitutions. <i>S. mitis</i> appear to release mitilysin extracellularly. Certain alleles of mitilysin are not recognized by a monoclonal antibody raised to the related toxin pneumolysin. Based on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and neutralization assay results, one isolate of <i>S. mitis</i> may produce a further hemolytic toxin in addition to mitilysin. As genetic exchange is known to occur between <i>S. mitis</i> and <i>Streptococcus pneumoniae</i>, this finding may have implications for the development of vaccines or therapies for pneumococcal disease that are based on pneumolysin.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Mitchell, Professor Timothy
• Authors: Jefferies, J., Nieminen, L., Kirkham, L.A., Johnston, C., Smith, A., and Mitchell, T.J.
• Subjects: Q Science > QR Microbiology > QR180 Immunology
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences
• Journal Name: Journal of Bacteriology
• ISSN: 0021-9193