Protein G-related alpha(2)-macroglobulin-binding (GRAB) protein is a cell wall-attached determinant of group A streptococcus (GAS) that interacts with the human protease inhibitor alpha(2)-macroglobulin (alpha(2)-M). Of 86 clinical isolates tested, 23% could bind alpha(2)-M. However, all strains tested contained the grab gene. High levels of anti-GRAB antibodies were found in the serum of conva...

The low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein/alpha 2-macroglobulin receptor (LRP/alpha 2MR) binds and internalizes several plasma proteins including tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) and alpha 2-macroglobulin-protease complexes (alpha 2M*). A 39-kDa protein that copurifies with LRP/alpha 2MR inhibits the binding and uptake of ligands by LRP/alpha 2MR, including t-PA and alpha 2M*...

To critically evaluate the clinical utility of determining specific proteins in patients with extensive proteinuria, we used immunonephelometric methods to measure albumin, transferrin, IgG, and alpha 2-macroglobulin in serum and in 24-h urine specimens from 37 children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. Renal biopsy demonstrated minimal change disease (I) in 15, focal glomerulosclerosis (II) ...