[Immunosuppressor role of staphylococcal protein A].

The removal of protein A from the surface of staphylococci by means of proteolytic enzymes increases the immunogenic properties of staphylococci. Staphylococci containing protein A are less effective in mediating the immunological memory than those treated with proteolytic enzymes. The conjugation of protein A with staphylococci treated with proteolytic enzymes leads to the decrease of the immunogenic properties of staphylococci. Protein A not bound to staphylococci also suppresses antistaphylococcal immune response. The protective properties of corpuscular staphylococcal antigen are increased after the removal of protein A from the surface of staphylococci by proteolysis.