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. 1977 Oct 1;146(4):1108–1123. doi: 10.1084/jem.146.4.1108

Streptococcal M protein extracted by nonionic detergent. II. Analysis of the antibody response to the multiple antigenic determinants of the M-protein molecule

PMCID: PMC2180815  PMID: 70502

Abstract

Purified streptococcal M protein extracted by nonionic detergent was used in an RIA and a solid-phase radiocompetitive inhibition assay to determine the nature of the immune response in both human beings and hyperimmunized rabbits to this complex antiphagocytic antigen. Results indicate that a type-specific response to an M antigen with the development of opsonic antibodies is the result of antibodies directed against the majority of the antigenic determinants of the molecule. Cross-reactions between certain M types on the other hand, are represented by antibodies directed against only a small percentage of these antigenic determinants. Results also suggest that avidity may play a role in the action of opsonic antibodies. However, the data indicate that factors besides avidity (i.e. sites bound by the antibodies) also seem essential for opsonization.

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Selected References

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