Inhibition of Fibrinolysis by Streptococcal Phage Lysin _SM1

Abstract

The interaction of streptococci with human fibrinogen and platelets on damaged endocardium is a central event in the pathogenesis of infective endocarditis. Streptococcus oralis can bind platelets via the interaction of bacteriophage lysin SM1 with fibrinogen on the platelet surface, and this process has been associated with increased virulence in an animal model of endocarditis. We now report that lysin SM1 binds to the αC region of the human fibrinogen Aα chain.