Proteases of the pathogenic neisseriae: possible role in infection.

Proteolytic enzymes are produced by animal as well as human pathogens. Several micro-organisms including Neisseriae produce IgA1 specific proteases. This protease specifically hydrolyses IgA1 protein. IgA1-specific protease(s) synthesized by Neisseria species are briefly reviewed with particular reference to their role in infection.