Type-specific Antibody Formation in Man Following Injection of Streptococcal M Protein

Abstract

Purified type 19 M protein, extracted at 95[degree]C at pH 2 from group A streptococci, was injected into children and adults to ascertain its ability to stimulate the formation of type-specific protective antibody. Preparations of M protein antigen in saline solution and combined with aluminum phosphate adjuvant were injected; the bactericidal test and the quantitative precipitin test were employed to determine type-specific M antibody titers. These preparations of M protein were generally well tolerated by recipients. Antibody formation occurred in 2 of 7 adults and 3 of 22 children receiving this antigen.