GBS (Group B Streptococcus) requires capsular Sia (sialic acid) for virulence and partially modifies this sugar by O-acetylation. In the present paper we describe serotype-specific patterns of GBS Sia O-acetylation that can be manipulated by genetic and biochemical means. In vitro and in vivo assays demonstrate that this subtle modification attenuates GBS Sia-mediated neutrophil suppression and animal virulence.

Keywords:
capsular polysaccharide, neutrophil, O-acetylation, sialic acid, Streptococcus agalactiae
© The Authors Journal compilation © 2010 Biochemical Society
2010
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