# STREPTOCOCCAL INACTIVATOR IN HUMAN CHEMOATTRACTANTS

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · 1990 · $112,719

## Abstract

The primary goal of this project is to better understand the
biochemical basis for the propensity of group A streptococci to
cause human disease and to evaluate the importance of a newly
discovered streptococcal inactivator of complement mediated
chemotaxis, designated SCP, to this process.  The human
complement serum protein C5a, the primary chemotaxin of
inflammatory processes, is specifically cleaved by the peptidase
activity associated with SCP.  Studies proposed here will further
define the specificity of this unique streptococcal peptidase.  A
biochemical peptidase assay employing synthetic peptides will be
developed and used to define determinants of substrate
specificity.  The cloned SCP gene will be sequenced and the
deduced amino acid sequence compared to that of other
streptococcal proteins, and other peptidases, in order to
identify functional domains.  Experiments with purified enzyme
will evaluate the role of this factor in streptococcal virulence;
does it assist colonization of mucosal tissues?  An intranasal
mouse model will be used for these experiments.  Antibody, IgG
and sIgA, able to neutralize SCP activity will be tested for the
potential to alter virulence of various streptococcal serotypes.
The lack of M vaccine.  This possibility will be tested by
immunization of mice using a genetically engineered, attenuated
salmonella strain carrying the SCP gene.  The secretory
immunological response to SCP in humans will be defined by
quantitating antibody in saliva from healthy and convalescent
children, and adults by ELISA.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3129486
- **Project number:** 2R01AI020016-07
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
- **SAM.gov UEI:** KABJZBBJ4B54
- **Principal Investigator:** PAUL Patrick CLEARY
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1990
- **Award amount:** $112,719
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 1989-12-01 → 1992-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3129486

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3129486, STREPTOCOCCAL INACTIVATOR IN HUMAN CHEMOATTRACTANTS (2R01AI020016-07). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3129486. Licensed CC0.

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