Purification and characterization of group A streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin type C

Abstract

Group A streptococcal [Streptococcus pyogenes] pyrogenic exotoxin (SPE) type C was partially purified by differential solubility in ethanol and acetate-buffered saline. Toxin prepared in this way consisted of protein and hyaluronic acid. After removal of hyaluronic acid, the toxin remained pyrogenic, enhanced susceptibility of rabbits to lethal endotoxin shock, was stable when treated with acid, base or pepsin, but was inactivated by heat. Toxin further purified by thin-layer-isoelectric focusing was pyrogenic and enhanced the susceptibility of rabbits to lethal endotoxin shock. Purified type C toxin appeared homogeneous when tested by Ouchterlony immunodiffusion and migrated as a single protein band in isoelectric focusing polyacrylamide gels (isoelectric point, 6.7) and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels (MW, 13,200). The purified toxin was antigenically distinct from A and B SPE, and antisera raised against the purified toxin neutralized pyrogenic activity. The amino acid composition was determined.