# A STREPTOCOCCAL INACTIVATOR OF HUMAN CHEMOATTRACTANTS

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · 1988 · $78,077

## 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 SCFI, to this process.  The
human complement serum protein C5a, the primary chemotaxin of inflammatory
processes, is specifically cleaved by the peptidase activity associated
with SCFI.  Studies proposed here will further define the specificity of
this unique streptococcal peptidase.  Isolation and purification procedures
will be optimized employing conventional column chromatography, and high
pressure chromatographic methods.  Experiments with purified enzyme will
evaluate the role of this factor in streptococcal virulence; does it
influence the resistance of streptococci to phagocytosis, assist
colonization of mucosal tissues or retard the inflammatory response?  Mice
and rabbits will be used for these experiments.  Antisera able to
neutralize SCFI activity will be tested for the potential to alter
virulence of various streptococcal serotypes.  The lack of M type
specificity makes this protein a potential candidate for a streptococcal
vaccine.  This possibility will be tested by immunization of animals with
purified SCFI.  Various animal models of streptococcal infection will be
tried.  The immunological response to SCFI in humans will be determined by
quantitating antibody in sera from healthy and convalescent individuals
with an indirect ELISA assay.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3129491
- **Project number:** 5R01AI020016-06
- **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:** 1988
- **Award amount:** $78,077
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1983-07-01 → 1989-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3129491

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3129491, A STREPTOCOCCAL INACTIVATOR OF HUMAN CHEMOATTRACTANTS (5R01AI020016-06). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-24 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3129491. Licensed CC0.

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