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. 1985 Dec;50(3):610–613. doi: 10.1128/iai.50.3.610-613.1985

Unimpaired function of human phagocytes in the presence of phagocytosis-resistant group A streptococci.

B N Manjula, M L Schmidt, V A Fischetti
PMCID: PMC261121  PMID: 3905607

Abstract

The resistance to phagocytosis of the group A streptococci has been attributed mainly to the presence of the surface antigen, M protein. In the present study, we addressed the question of whether the phagocytosis resistance of the group A streptococci is due to their ability to impair the function of the phagocytic cells. The results of these studies demonstrate that the presence of a large excess of a phagocytosis-resistant strain of streptococci does not significantly interfere with either the antibody-independent or the antibody-dependent phagocytosis of streptococci. Apparently, a phagocytosis-resistant strain of streptococci does not bring about a generalized deactivation of the phagocytic plasma membrane. This suggests that if the resistance of the group A streptococci is due to any deactivating influence at all on the phagocytic plasma membrane, it is likely to be confined to the contact area of the cocci with the phagocyte.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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