A solute binding protein of Streptococcus pneumoniae iron transport.

Streptococcus pneumoniae causes considerable morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Iron acquisition is an important virulence factor for bacterial pathogens. Two loci, piu and pia, were identified as responsible for the hemoglobin utilization of S. pneumoniae. The binding activity and surface accessibility of the solute binding protein of PiuA were studied. PiuA is a lipoprotein, binds hemin and hemoglobin, resides on the cytoplasmic membrane, and is not exposed on the surface of S. pneumoniae. The localization of PiuA has implications in its role in hemoglobin utilization and possible use as a pneumococcal vaccine.