Kholodna L. Influence of staphylococcal protein A and its different forms on immune response

The dissertation is devoted to investigation of role of the main staphylococcal patigenic factor - protein A and its different forms in formation of immune response, mechanisms of immunomodulative action, influence on functional activity of various populations of immune cells, nonspecific resistance. Conditions that can change synthesis and antigenic properties of protein A have been evaluated. A new complex study of immunoloical effects of different forms of protein A (purified, conjugated, absorbed, modified, cell-bound) was conducted to characterize their influence on cellular and humoral immune response, nonspecific resistance; protective effects have been found. Based on data from experiments on protein A influence on artificial bilipid and native membranes, cytokine production, activity of certain sub-populations of immune cells, a hypothesis on mechanisms of immunoactivity of protein A has been proposed. Protein A is found to be able to incorporate in bilipid membranes and to influence Са2+-de pendent cellular membrane transport. Protein A induceable target cells have been determined. Protective properties of investigated substances were found in experimental staphylococcal infection in mice. A possibility for production of specific anti-staphylococcal transfer factor was estimated. Pharmacological studies of investigated staphylococcal substances have been performed. Antigenspecifity and absence of negative side effects of these preparations provide practical approaches for protein A usage in various diseases.