We studied the effects of slime protease obtained from Staphylococcus epidermidis on membrane surface antigens (CD2, CD3, CD4, and CD8) and on the production of a macrophage activating factor (MFA) from T lymphocytes. The numbers of CD2, CD4 and CD8 positive cells were reduced by the treatment with S. epidermidis slime protease. Namely, the binding of the monoclonal antibody to each of the antigens was inhibited. The MAF production was suppressed dose-dependently after the treatment with S. epidermidis slime protease. Futhermore, S. epidermidis slime protease had no toxic effect on the lymphocytes.

These results suggest that S. epidermidis slime protease cleaved the lymphocyte membrane antigens to suppress the production of MAF from activated T lymphocytes.