Previous studies showed that Staphylococcus aureus expresses a collagen-binding
MSCRAMM (Microbial Surface Component Recognizing Adhesive Matrix Molecules), CNA,
that is necessary and sufficient for S. aureus cells to adhere to cartilage and is a virulence
factor in experimental septic arthritis. We have now used a monoclonal antibody (mAb)
approach to further analyze the structure and function of CNA. 22 mAbs raised against the
minimal ligand binding domain, CNA-(151–318), were shown to bind to the MSCRAMM with …