References
Query Results -- Details
MGI Accession ID: MGI:3707977
J Number: J:120780
Other Accession IDs:
Title: Plasminogen is a critical host pathogenicity factor for group A streptococcal infection.
Authors: Sun H; Ringdahl U; Homeister JW; Fay WP; Engleberg NC; Yang AY; Rozek LS; Wang X; Sjobring U; Ginsburg D
Journal: Science
Volume: 305
Issue: 5688
Date: 2004 Aug 27
Year: 2004
Pages: 1283-6
Review Status: Peer Reviewed
Abstract:
Group A streptococci, a common human pathogen, secrete streptokinase, which activates the host's blood clot-dissolving protein, plasminogen. Streptokinase is highly specific for human plasminogen, exhibiting little or no activity against other mammalian species, including mouse. Here, a transgene expressing human plasminogen markedly increased mortality in mice infected with streptococci, and this susceptibility was dependent on bacterial streptokinase expression. Thus, streptokinase is a key pathogenicity factor and the primary determinant of host species specificity for group A streptococcal infection. In addition, local fibrin clot formation may be implicated in host defense against microbial pathogens.
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