Separation of the proteolytic and streptolytic components of a Streptomyces albus enzyme preparation and their effect on streptococcal cells.

The complex of enzymes elaborated by a strain of Streptomyces albus was separated by Sephadex G-75 column chromatography. Two major and one minor proteolytic peaks and one streptolytic peak were obtained. The streptolytic fraction alone did not cause lysis of the cells, but was highly effective in the presence of small amounts of trypsin or of the proteolytic components of the enzyme complex. Treatment of cells with the purified streptolytic fraction effected release of group carbohydrate and of a trypsin and pepsin-resistant protein antigen which reacted with type-specific antisera.