Activation of the alternate complement pathway by peptidoglycan from streptococcal cell wall.

Activation of the alternate complement pathway in human serum by several bacterial components was compared. Peptidoglycan from group A streptococcal cell walls was the most active material, on a weight basis, followed by cell walls, protoplast membranes, and whole cells. The group-specific carbohydrate was inactive. Treatment of peptidoglycan with low concentrations of lysozyme or short periods of sonic treatment enhanced complement activation. High concentrations of lysozyme or extended sonic treatment of peptidoglycan destroyed or greatly reduced the capacity to activate complement. Lysozyme treatment of group A streptococcal cell walls or lipopolysaccharide had no measurable effect. Activation of the alternate complement pathway by group D streptococcal cell walls was destroyed by lysozyme. Activity of peptidoglycan was not inhibited by N-acetyl glucosamine, N-acetyl muramic acid, or D-alanine-D-alanine. Conversion of C3 and factored B by peptidoglycan was shown to occur by immunoelectrophoresis and crossed immunoelectrophoresis.