Streptolysin S induces proinflammatory cytokine expression in calcium ion-influx-dependent manner.

Anginosus group streptococci (AGS) are opportunistic pathogens that reside in the human oral cavity. The β-hemolytic strains of subsp. (SAA) produce streptolysin S (SLS), a streptococcal peptide hemolysin.

Identification of mutations resulting in derepression of the intermedilysin gene by sequential mutagenesis of its promoter region in Streptococcus intermedius.

Streptococcus intermedius secretes the human-specific cytolysin intermedilysin (ILY), a crucial factor in the pathogenicity of this bacterium. Previously, we reported that a lactose phosphotransferase repressor (LacR) represses ily expression, and that its mutation increases ILY production. Interestingly, UNS40, a strain isolated from a liver abscess, produces high levels of ILY despite the absence of mutations in the lacR promoter and coding regions.

Streptolysin S induces pronounced calcium-ion influx-dependent expression of immediate early genes encoding transcription factors.

Anginosus group streptococci (AGS) are opportunistic human pathogens of the oral cavity. The β-hemolytic subgroup of Streptococcus anginosus subsp. anginosus secretes streptolysin S (SLS) and exhibits not only hemolytic activity but also cytotoxicity toward cultured human cell lines.

A simple method to differentiate three classes of cholesterol-dependent cytolysins.

Cholesterol-dependent cytolysins (CDCs) are proteinaceous toxins widely distributed in gram-positive pathogenic bacteria. CDCs can be classified into three groups (I-III) based on the mode of receptor recognition. Group I CDCs recognize cholesterol as their receptor.

Human serum albumin stabilizes streptolysin S activity secreted in the extracellular milieu by streptolysin S-producing streptococci.

Anginosus group streptococci (AGS) are opportunistic pathogens of the human oral cavity; however, their pathogenicity has not been discussed in detail. Oral streptococci live in the gingival sulcus, from where they can easily translocate into the bloodstream due to periodontal diseases and dental treatment and cause hazardous effects on the host through their virulence factors. Streptolysin S (SLS), a pathogenic factor produced by β-hemolytic species/strains belonging to AGS, plays an important role in damaging host cells.