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Rivera-Hernandez T, Carnathan DG, Richter J, Marchant P, Cork AJ, Elangovan G, Henningham A, Cole JN, Choudhury B, Moyle PM, Toth I, Batzloff MR, Good MF, Agarwal P, Kapoor N, Nizet V, Silvestri G, Walker MJ. Efficacy of Alum-Adjuvanted Peptide and Carbohydrate Conjugate Vaccine Candidates against Group A Streptococcus Pharyngeal Infection in a Non-Human Primate Model. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:382. [PMID: 38675764 PMCID: PMC11054769 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12040382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Vaccine development against group A Streptococcus (GAS) has gained traction in the last decade, fuelled by recognition of the significant worldwide burden of the disease. Several vaccine candidates are currently being evaluated in preclinical and early clinical studies. Here, we investigate two conjugate vaccine candidates that have shown promise in mouse models of infection. Two antigens, the J8 peptide from the conserved C-terminal end of the M protein, and the group A carbohydrate lacking N-acetylglucosamine side chain (ΔGAC) were each conjugated to arginine deiminase (ADI), an anchorless surface protein from GAS. Both conjugate vaccine candidates combined with alum adjuvant were tested in a non-human primate (NHP) model of pharyngeal infection. High antibody titres were detected against J8 and ADI antigens, while high background antibody titres in NHP sera hindered accurate quantification of ΔGAC-specific antibodies. The severity of pharyngitis and tonsillitis signs, as well as the level of GAS colonisation, showed no significant differences in NHPs immunised with either conjugate vaccine candidate compared to NHPs in the negative control group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Rivera-Hernandez
- Consejo Nacional de Humanidades Ciencia y Tecnología, Unidad de Investigación Médica en Inmunoquímica, Hospital de Especialidades del Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Diane G. Carnathan
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; (D.G.C.)
| | - Johanna Richter
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (J.R.); (G.E.)
| | | | - Amanda J. Cork
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (J.R.); (G.E.)
| | - Gayathiri Elangovan
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (J.R.); (G.E.)
| | - Anna Henningham
- Division of Ob/Gyn & Reproductive Sciences, Vc-Health Sciences-Schools, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (A.H.); (B.C.)
| | - Jason N. Cole
- Division of Ob/Gyn & Reproductive Sciences, Vc-Health Sciences-Schools, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (A.H.); (B.C.)
| | - Biswa Choudhury
- Division of Ob/Gyn & Reproductive Sciences, Vc-Health Sciences-Schools, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (A.H.); (B.C.)
| | - Peter M. Moyle
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - Istvan Toth
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Michael R. Batzloff
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia; (M.R.B.)
| | - Michael F. Good
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia; (M.R.B.)
| | | | - Neeraj Kapoor
- Vaxcyte Inc., San Carlos, CA 94070, USA (P.A.); (N.K.)
| | - Victor Nizet
- Division of Ob/Gyn & Reproductive Sciences, Vc-Health Sciences-Schools, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (A.H.); (B.C.)
| | - Guido Silvestri
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; (D.G.C.)
| | - Mark J. Walker
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (J.R.); (G.E.)
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2
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Mercadante S, Ficari A, Romani L, De Luca M, Tripiciano C, Chiurchiù S, Calo Carducci FI, Cursi L, Di Giuseppe M, Krzysztofiak A, Bernardi S, Lancella L. The Thousand Faces of Invasive Group A Streptococcal Infections: Update on Epidemiology, Symptoms, and Therapy. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:383. [PMID: 38671600 PMCID: PMC11048970 DOI: 10.3390/children11040383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Invasive infections caused by Streptococcus pyogfenes (iGAS), commonly known as Group A Streptococcus, represent a significant public health concern due to their potential for rapid progression and life-threatening complications. Epidemiologically, invasive GAS infections exhibit a diverse global distribution, affecting individuals of all ages with varying predisposing factors. The pathogenesis of invasive GAS involves an array of virulence factors that contribute to tissue invasion, immune evasion, and systemic dissemination. In pediatrics, in the last few years, an increase in iGAS infections has been reported worldwide becoming a challenging disease to diagnose and treat promptly. This review highlights the current knowledge on pathogenesis, clinical presentations, and therapeutic approaches for iGAS in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Mercadante
- Infectious Disease Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (L.R.); (C.T.); (S.C.); (S.B.); (L.L.)
| | - Andrea Ficari
- Residency School of Pediatrics, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Lorenza Romani
- Infectious Disease Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (L.R.); (C.T.); (S.C.); (S.B.); (L.L.)
| | - Maia De Luca
- Infectious Disease Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (L.R.); (C.T.); (S.C.); (S.B.); (L.L.)
| | - Costanza Tripiciano
- Infectious Disease Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (L.R.); (C.T.); (S.C.); (S.B.); (L.L.)
| | - Sara Chiurchiù
- Infectious Disease Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (L.R.); (C.T.); (S.C.); (S.B.); (L.L.)
| | - Francesca Ippolita Calo Carducci
- Infectious Disease Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (L.R.); (C.T.); (S.C.); (S.B.); (L.L.)
| | - Laura Cursi
- Infectious Disease Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (L.R.); (C.T.); (S.C.); (S.B.); (L.L.)
| | - Martina Di Giuseppe
- Infectious Disease Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (L.R.); (C.T.); (S.C.); (S.B.); (L.L.)
| | - Andrzej Krzysztofiak
- Infectious Disease Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (L.R.); (C.T.); (S.C.); (S.B.); (L.L.)
| | - Stefania Bernardi
- Infectious Disease Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (L.R.); (C.T.); (S.C.); (S.B.); (L.L.)
| | - Laura Lancella
- Infectious Disease Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (L.R.); (C.T.); (S.C.); (S.B.); (L.L.)
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3
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Nakakana U, Serry-Bangura A, Edem BE, Tessitore P, Di Cesare L, Moriel DG, Podda A, De Ryck IS, Arora AK. Application of Transthoracic Echocardiography for Cardiac Safety Evaluation in the Clinical Development Process of Vaccines Against Streptococcus pyogenes. Drugs R D 2024; 24:1-12. [PMID: 38494581 PMCID: PMC11035538 DOI: 10.1007/s40268-024-00452-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Superficial infections with Streptococcus pyogenes (Strep A), pharyngitis and impetigo can induce acute rheumatic fever, an autoimmune sequela manifesting mostly with arthritis and rheumatic carditis. Valvular heart damage can persist or advance following repeated episodes of acute rheumatic fever, causing rheumatic heart disease. Acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease disproportionately affect children and young adults in developing countries and disadvantaged communities in developed countries. People living with rheumatic heart disease are at risk of experiencing potentially fatal complications such as heart failure, bacterial endocarditis or stroke. Transthoracic echocardiography plays a central role in diagnosing both rheumatic carditis and rheumatic heart disease. Despite the obvious medical need, no licensed Strep A vaccines are currently available, as their clinical development process faces several challenges, including concerns for cardiac safety. However, the development of Strep A vaccines has been recently relaunched by many vaccine developers. In this context, a reliable and consistent safety evaluation of Strep A vaccine candidates, including the use of transthoracic echocardiography for detecting cardiac adverse events, could greatly contribute to developing a safe and efficacious product in the near future. Here, we propose a framework for the consistent use of transthoracic echocardiography to proactively detect cardiac safety events in clinical trials of Strep A vaccine candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usman Nakakana
- Vaccines Institute for Global Health (Global Health Vaccines R&D), GSK, Siena, Italy.
| | | | - Bassey Effiom Edem
- Vaccines Institute for Global Health (Global Health Vaccines R&D), GSK, Siena, Italy
- Janssen Biologics BV, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Leonardo Di Cesare
- Vaccines Institute for Global Health (Global Health Vaccines R&D), GSK, Siena, Italy
| | - Danilo Gomes Moriel
- Vaccines Institute for Global Health (Global Health Vaccines R&D), GSK, Siena, Italy
| | - Audino Podda
- Vaccines Institute for Global Health (Global Health Vaccines R&D), GSK, Siena, Italy
- Independent consultant, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Ashwani Kumar Arora
- Vaccines Institute for Global Health (Global Health Vaccines R&D), GSK, Siena, Italy
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Nygaard U, Hartling UB, Munkstrup C, Nielsen AB, Dungu KHS, Schmidt LS, Glenthøj J, Matthesen AT, Rytter MJH, Holm M. Invasive group A streptococcal infections in children and adolescents in Denmark during 2022-23 compared with 2016-17 to 2021-22: a nationwide, multicentre, population-based cohort study. THE LANCET. CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH 2024; 8:112-121. [PMID: 38103567 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-4642(23)00295-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A historic increase in paediatric invasive group A streptococcal (iGAS) infections was reported globally in 2022. iGAS infections can lead to severe manifestations (eg, pleural empyema, necrotising fasciitis, toxic shock syndrome, osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, and meningitis). We aimed to compare the incidence and severity of iGAS infections overall, for distinct clinical phenotypes, and for GAS emm variants in Denmark in 2022-23 with reference to the previous six seasons (ie, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21, and 2021-22). METHODS In this nationwide, multicentre, population-based cohort study, we included all children and adolescents in Denmark aged 0-17 years with a positive culture of GAS or GAS confirmed through PCR-based methods from otherwise sterile sites in 2022-23 and the previous six seasons from 2016-17 to 2021-22. For all seven seasons, data were obtained from week 21 to week 20 of the next year. Patients at all 18 paediatric hospital departments in Denmark were identified through the Danish Microbiology Database, in which iGAS isolates from sterile sites are prospectively registered, including emm typing. We obtained electronic medical health records for each patient admitted with a diagnosis of iGAS. We calculated the incidence of iGAS per 1 000 000 inhabitants aged 0-17 years in each season from week 21 to week 20 of the next year and the risk ratios (RRs) for incidence of iGAS, distinct disease manifestations, and emm variants in 2022-23 versus the three pre-COVID-19 seasons in 2016-17, 2017-18, and 2018-19 using Fisher's exact test and Pearson's χ2 test. FINDINGS Among the Danish population of 1 152 000 children and adolescents aged 0-17 years, 174 with iGAS disease were included. 76 children and adolescents with iGAS during 2022-23 were identified; 31 (41%) of 76 were female and 45 (59%) were male. 98 children and adolescents with iGAS during 2016-17 to 2021-22 were identified; 41 (42%) of 98 were female and 57 (58%) were male. There was an increase in incidence of iGAS from mean 22·6 (95% CI 14·7-33·1) per 1 000 000 children and adolescents during 2016-17 to 2018-19 to 66·0 (52·0-82·6) per 1 000 000 during 2023-23 (RR 2·9, 95% CI 1·9-4·6; p<0·0001). During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019-20, 2020-21, and 2021-22, the mean incidence of iGAS was 6·1 (95% CI 2·4-12·5) per 1 000 000 children and adolescents. In 2022-23, there was a 9·5-fold increase in emm-12 (95% CI 2·2-40·8; p=0·0002) and a 2·7-fold increase in emm-1 (1·3-5·5; p=0·0037). The most common clinical manifestations of iGAS in 2022-23 were soft-tissue infections, which increased by 4·5-fold (1·9-10·9; p=0·0003), and complicated pneumonia with parapneumonic effusion, which increased by 4·0-fold (1·4-11·4; p=0·0059), both compared with the three pre-COVID-19 seasons. Overall, there was no increased severity of iGAS in 2022-23 compared with the previous six seasons as measured by median duration of hospital stay (8 days, IQR 4-14 vs 9 days, 5-15; p=0·39), paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission (17 [22%] of 76 vs 17 [17%] of 98; p=0·53), duration of stay in PICU (4 days, IQR 2-10 vs 4 days, 2-11; p=0·84), or mortality (three [4%] of 76 vs three [3%] of 98; p=1·00). In 2022-23, there was a 3·6-fold (95% CI 1·8-7·3; p=0·0001) increase in children with a preceding upper respiratory tract infection and a 4·6-fold (1·5-14·1; p=0·0034) increase in children with a preceding varicella-zoster infection, both compared with the three pre-COVID-19 seasons. INTERPRETATION In Denmark, the incidence of paediatric iGAS increased in 2022-23 compared with the three pre-COVID-19 seasons of 2016-17, 2017-18, and 2018-19. However, the course of iGAS disease in children and adolescents in 2022-23 was not more severe than in previous seasons. The high morbidity across all seasons highlights iGAS as a major invasive bacterial infection in children and adolescents. FUNDING Innovation Fund Denmark.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrikka Nygaard
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Ulla Birgitte Hartling
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Hans Christian Andersen Children's Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Charlotte Munkstrup
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Prevention, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Allan Bybeck Nielsen
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kia Hee Schultz Dungu
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lisbeth Samsø Schmidt
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Herlev University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Jonathan Glenthøj
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Hillerød University Hospital, Hillerød, Denmark
| | - Astrid Thaarup Matthesen
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Maren Johanne Heilskov Rytter
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Slagelse Hospital, Slagelse, Denmark
| | - Mette Holm
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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5
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Ling D, Jia X, Wang K, Yan Q, Yuan B, Du L, Li M, Jin Y. Cancer cell membrane-coated bacterial ghosts for highly efficient paclitaxel delivery against metastatic lung cancer. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:365-377. [PMID: 38261850 PMCID: PMC10792973 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy is one of the major approaches for the treatment of metastatic lung cancer, although it is limited by the low tumor delivery efficacy of anticancer drugs. Bacterial therapy is emerging for cancer treatment due to its high immune stimulation effect; however, excessively generated immunogenicity will cause serious inflammatory response syndrome. Here, we prepared cancer cell membrane-coated liposomal paclitaxel-loaded bacterial ghosts (LP@BG@CCM) by layer-by-layer encapsulation for the treatment of metastatic lung cancer. The preparation processes were simple, only involving film formation, electroporation, and pore extrusion. LP@BG@CCM owned much higher 4T1 cancer cell toxicity than LP@BG due to its faster fusion with cancer cells. In the 4T1 breast cancer metastatic lung cancer mouse models, the remarkably higher lung targeting of intravenously injected LP@BG@CCM was observed with the almost normalized lung appearance, the reduced lung weight, the clear lung tissue structure, and the enhanced cancer cell apoptosis compared to its precursors. Moreover, several major immune factors were improved after administration of LP@BG@CCM, including the CD4+/CD8a+ T cells in the spleen and the TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-4 in the lung. LP@BG@CCM exhibits the optimal synergistic chemo-immunotherapy, which is a promising medication for the treatment of metastatic lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Ling
- Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Xueli Jia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Ke Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Qiucheng Yan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Bochuan Yuan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Lina Du
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Miao Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Yiguang Jin
- Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
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6
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Fulurija A, Cunningham MW, Korotkova N, Masterson MY, Bansal GP, Baker MG, Cannon JW, Carapetis JR, Steer AC. Research opportunities for the primordial prevention of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease-streptococcal vaccine development: a national heart, lung and blood institute workshop report. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:e013534. [PMID: 38164699 PMCID: PMC10729269 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-013534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as group A streptococcus (StrepA), is a bacterium that causes a range of human diseases, including pharyngitis, impetigo, invasive infections, and post-infection immune sequelae such as rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease. StrepA infections cause some of the highest burden of disease and death in mostly young populations in low-resource settings. Despite decades of effort, there is still no licensed StrepA vaccine, which if developed, could be a cost-effective way to reduce the incidence of disease. Several challenges, including technical and regulatory hurdles, safety concerns and a lack of investment have hindered StrepA vaccine development. Barriers to developing a StrepA vaccine must be overcome in the future by prioritising key areas of research including greater understanding of StrepA immunobiology and autoimmunity risk, better animal models that mimic human disease, expanding the StrepA vaccine pipeline and supporting vaccine clinical trials. The development of a StrepA vaccine is a complex and challenging process that requires significant resources and investment. Given the global burden of StrepA infections and the potential for a vaccine to save lives and livelihoods, StrepA vaccine development is an area of research that deserves considerable support. This report summarises the findings of the Primordial Prevention Working Group-VAX, which was convened in November 2021 by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. The focus of this report is to identify research gaps within the current StrepA vaccine landscape and find opportunities and develop priorities to promote the rapid and successful advancement of StrepA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alma Fulurija
- Wesfarmers Centre for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Child Health Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Madeleine W Cunningham
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Natalia Korotkova
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Mary Y Masterson
- Center for Translation Research and Implementation Science (CTRIS), National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Geetha P Bansal
- John E Fogarty International Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael G Baker
- Department of Public Health, University of Otago Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Jeffrey W Cannon
- Centre for Child Health Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard University T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jonathan R Carapetis
- Wesfarmers Centre for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Child Health Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Andrew C Steer
- Infection, Immunity and Global Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Cadarette D, Ferranna M, Cannon JW, Abbas K, Giannini F, Zucker L, Bloom DE. The full health, economic, and social benefits of prospective Strep A vaccination. NPJ Vaccines 2023; 8:166. [PMID: 37903813 PMCID: PMC10616198 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-023-00758-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent research has documented a wide range of health, economic, and social benefits conferred by vaccination, beyond the direct reductions in morbidity, mortality, and future healthcare costs traditionally captured in economic evaluations. In this paper, we describe the societal benefits that would likely stem from widespread administration of safe and effective vaccines against Streptococcus pyogenes (Strep A), which was estimated to be the fifth-leading cause of infectious disease deaths globally prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. We then estimate the global societal gains from prospective Strep A vaccination through a value-per-statistical-life approach. Estimated aggregate lifetime benefits for 30 global birth cohorts range from $1.7 to $5.1 trillion, depending on the age at which vaccination is administered and other factors. These results suggest that the benefits of Strep A vaccination would be large and justify substantial investment in the vaccines' development, manufacture, and delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maddalena Ferranna
- University of Southern California Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey W Cannon
- Wesfarmers Centre for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Kaja Abbas
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Fiona Giannini
- Wesfarmers Centre for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Leo Zucker
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David E Bloom
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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8
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Asturias EJ, Excler JL, Ackland J, Cavaleri M, Fulurija A, Long R, McCulloch M, Sriskandan S, Sun W, Zühlke L, Kim JH, Dale JB, Steer AC. Safety of Streptococcus pyogenes Vaccines: Anticipating and Overcoming Challenges for Clinical Trials and Post-Marketing Monitoring. Clin Infect Dis 2023; 77:917-924. [PMID: 37232372 PMCID: PMC10506775 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciad311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pyogenes (Strep A) infections result in a vastly underestimated burden of acute and chronic disease globally. The Strep A Vaccine Global Consortium's (SAVAC's) mission is to accelerate the development of safe, effective, and affordable S. pyogenes vaccines. The safety of vaccine recipients is of paramount importance. A single S. pyogenes vaccine clinical trial conducted in the 1960s raised important safety concerns. A SAVAC Safety Working Group was established to review the safety assessment methodology and results of more recent early-phase clinical trials and to consider future challenges for vaccine safety assessments across all phases of vaccine development. No clinical or biological safety signals were detected in any of these early-phase trials in the modern era. Improvements in vaccine safety assessments need further consideration, particularly for pediatric clinical trials, large-scale efficacy trials, and preparation for post-marketing pharmacovigilance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin J Asturias
- Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Aurora Colorado, USA
- Children’s Hospital, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Jean-Louis Excler
- Director General’s Office, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Marco Cavaleri
- Anti-Infectives and Vaccines, European Medicines Agency, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alma Fulurija
- Group A Streptococcal and Rheumatic Heart Disease Team, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Australia
| | - Raj Long
- Safety and pharmacovigilance, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mignon McCulloch
- Department of Paediatrics, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | | | - Liesl Zühlke
- South African Medical Research Council, Parowvallei, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Paediatric Cardiology, Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jerome H Kim
- Director General’s Office, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - James B Dale
- College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis Tennessee, USA
| | - Andrew C Steer
- Infection and Immunity Theme, Tropical Diseases Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville Victoria, Australia
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Dale JB, Aranha MP, Penfound TA, Salehi S, Smith JC. Structure-guided design of a broadly cross-reactive multivalent group a streptococcal vaccine. Vaccine 2023; 41:5841-5847. [PMID: 37596198 PMCID: PMC10529471 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
The M protein of group A streptococci (Strep A) is a major virulence determinant and protective antigen. The N-terminal region of the M protein is variable in sequence, defines the M/emm type, and contains epitopes that elicit opsonic antibodies that protect animals from challenge infections. Although there are >200 M types of Strep A, there is now evidence that structurally related M proteins can be grouped into clusters and that immunity may be cluster-specific in addition to M type-specific. This observation has led to recent studies of structure-based design of multivalent M peptide vaccines to select peptides predicted to cross-react with heterologous M types to improve vaccine coverage. In the current study, we have applied a refined series of peptide structural algorithms to predict immunological cross-reactivity among 117 N-terminal M peptides representing the most prevalent M types of Strep A. Based on the results of the structural analyses, in combination with global M type prevalence data, we constructed a 32-valent vaccine containing 19 cross-reactive vaccine candidates predicted to cross-react with 37 heterologous M peptides to which were added 13 type-specific M peptides. The 4-protein recombinant vaccine was immunogenic in rabbits and elicited significant levels of antibodies against 31/32 (97%) vaccine peptides and 28/37 (76%) peptides predicted to cross-react. The vaccine antisera also promoted opsonophagocytic killing of vaccine and cross-reactive M types of Strep A. Based on a recent analysis of M type prevalence of Strep A, the potential global coverage of the 32-valent vaccine is ∼90%, ranging from 68% in Africa to 95% in North America. Our results indicate the utility of structure-based design that may be applied to future studies of broadly protective M peptide vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- James B Dale
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, United States; Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, United States.
| | - Michelle P Aranha
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, United States; UT/ORNL Center for Molecular Biophysics, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, United States
| | - Thomas A Penfound
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, United States
| | - Sanaz Salehi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, United States
| | - Jeremy C Smith
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, United States; UT/ORNL Center for Molecular Biophysics, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, United States
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10
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Ajay Castro S, Dorfmueller HC. Update on the development of Group A Streptococcus vaccines. NPJ Vaccines 2023; 8:135. [PMID: 37709900 PMCID: PMC10502077 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-023-00730-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sowmya Ajay Castro
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Helge C Dorfmueller
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK.
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11
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Walkinshaw DR, Wright MEE, Williams M, Scarapicchia TMF, Excler JL, Wiley RE, Mullin AE. A Strep A vaccine global demand and return on investment forecast to inform industry research and development prioritization. NPJ Vaccines 2023; 8:113. [PMID: 37558685 PMCID: PMC10412591 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-023-00690-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Investment in Strep A vaccine R&D is disproportionately low relative to the large burden of Strep A diseases globally. This study presents a novel Strep A vaccine global demand and financial forecast model with estimates of potential global demand and associated revenue and profits for a hypothetical Strep A vaccine as well as a net present value (NPV) analysis of return on capital investments required to develop the vaccine. A positive NPV was calculated for a variety of developer scenarios and target populations, including the global rollout of the vaccine in private and public markets by a multinational pharmaceutical corporation and a staged rollout by a developing country vaccine manufacturer for both infant and child populations. The results suggest there is a viable commercial market for a Strep A vaccine. It is hoped that this study will help to inform industry decision-making and drive increased prioritization of, and investment in, Strep A vaccine research and development.
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12
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Wang KC, Kuliyev E, Nizet V, Ghosh P. A conserved 3D pattern in a Streptococcus pyogenes M protein immunogen elicits M-type crossreactivity. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:104980. [PMID: 37390991 PMCID: PMC10400905 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Coiled coil-forming M proteins of the widespread and potentially deadly bacterial pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes (strep A) are immunodominant targets of opsonizing antibodies. However, antigenic sequence variability of M proteins into >220 M types, as defined by their hypervariable regions (HVRs), is considered to limit M proteins as vaccine immunogens because of type specificity in the antibody response. Surprisingly, a multi-HVR immunogen in clinical vaccine trials was shown to elicit M-type crossreactivity. The basis for this crossreactivity is unknown but may be due in part to antibody recognition of a 3D pattern conserved in many M protein HVRs that confers binding to human complement C4b-binding protein (C4BP). To test this hypothesis, we investigated whether a single M protein immunogen carrying the 3D pattern would elicit crossreactivity against other M types carrying the 3D pattern. We found that a 34-amino acid sequence of S. pyogenes M2 protein bearing the 3D pattern retained full C4BP-binding capacity when fused to a coiled coil-stabilizing sequence from the protein GCN4. We show that this immunogen, called M2G, elicited cross-reactive antibodies against a number of M types that carry the 3D pattern but not against those that lack the 3D pattern. We further show that the M2G antiserum-recognized M proteins displayed natively on the strep A surface and promoted the opsonophagocytic killing of strep A strains expressing these M proteins. As C4BP binding is a conserved virulence trait of strep A, we propose that targeting the 3D pattern may prove advantageous in vaccine design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuei-Chen Wang
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Eziz Kuliyev
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Victor Nizet
- Division of Host-Microbe Systems and Therapeutics, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Partho Ghosh
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, California, USA.
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13
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Brouwer S, Rivera-Hernandez T, Curren BF, Harbison-Price N, De Oliveira DMP, Jespersen MG, Davies MR, Walker MJ. Pathogenesis, epidemiology and control of Group A Streptococcus infection. Nat Rev Microbiol 2023; 21:431-447. [PMID: 36894668 PMCID: PMC9998027 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-023-00865-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus; GAS) is exquisitely adapted to the human host, resulting in asymptomatic infection, pharyngitis, pyoderma, scarlet fever or invasive diseases, with potential for triggering post-infection immune sequelae. GAS deploys a range of virulence determinants to allow colonization, dissemination within the host and transmission, disrupting both innate and adaptive immune responses to infection. Fluctuating global GAS epidemiology is characterized by the emergence of new GAS clones, often associated with the acquisition of new virulence or antimicrobial determinants that are better adapted to the infection niche or averting host immunity. The recent identification of clinical GAS isolates with reduced penicillin sensitivity and increasing macrolide resistance threatens both frontline and penicillin-adjunctive antibiotic treatment. The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed a GAS research and technology road map and has outlined preferred vaccine characteristics, stimulating renewed interest in the development of safe and effective GAS vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Brouwer
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Bodie F Curren
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nichaela Harbison-Price
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - David M P De Oliveira
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Magnus G Jespersen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark R Davies
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark J Walker
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
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14
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Salie MT, Muhamed B, Engel K, Rampersadh K, Daniels R, Mhlanti L, Penfound TA, Sable CA, Zühlke LJ, Dale JB, Engel ME. Serum Immune Responses to Group A Streptococcal Antigens following Pharyngeal Acquisitions among Children in Cape Town, South Africa. mSphere 2023:e0011323. [PMID: 37154726 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00113-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
There is limited information on the human immune response following infection with group A Streptococcus (Strep A). Animal studies have shown, in addition to the M protein, that shared Strep A antigens elicit protective immunity. This study aimed to investigate the kinetics of antibody responses against a panel of Strep A antigens in a cohort of school-aged children in Cape Town, South Africa. Participants provided serial throat cultures and serum samples at two-monthly follow-up visits. Strep A recovered were emm-typed, and serum samples were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to assess immune responses to thirty-five Strep A antigens (10-shared and 25-M peptides). Serologic evaluations were performed on serial serum samples from 42 selected participants (from 256 enrolled) based on the number of follow-up visits, the frequency of visits, and throat culture results. Among these, there were 44 Strep A acquisitions, 36 of which were successfully emm-typed. Participants were grouped into three clinical event groups based on culture results and immune responses. A preceding infection was most convincingly represented by a Strep A-positive culture with an immune response to at least one shared antigen and M peptide (11 events) or a Strep A-negative culture with antibody responses to shared antigens and M peptides (9 events). More than a third of participants demonstrated no immune response despite a positive culture. This study provided important information regarding the complexity and variability of human immune responses following pharyngeal acquisition of Strep A, as well as demonstrating the immunogenicity of Strep A antigens currently under consideration as potential vaccine candidates. IMPORTANCE There is currently limited information regarding the human immune response to group A streptococcal throat infection. An understanding of the kinetics and specificity of antibody responses against a panel of Group A Streptococcus (GAS) antigens will serve to refine diagnostic approaches and contribute to vaccine efforts, which together will serve to reduce the burden of rheumatic heart disease, a major source of morbidity and mortality especially in the developing world. This study, utilizing an antibody-specific assay, uncovered three patterns of response profiles following GAS infection, among 256 children presenting with sore throat to local clinics. Overall, the response profiles were complex and variable. Of note, a preceding infection was most convincingly represented by a GAS-positive culture with an immune response to at least one shared antigen and M peptide. Also, more than a third of participants demonstrated no immune response despite a positive culture. All antigens tested were immunogenic, providing guidance for future vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Taariq Salie
- Department of Medicine (AFROStrep Research Initiative) and Cape Heart Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Babu Muhamed
- Department of Medicine (AFROStrep Research Initiative) and Cape Heart Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Kélin Engel
- Department of Medicine (AFROStrep Research Initiative) and Cape Heart Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Kimona Rampersadh
- Department of Medicine (AFROStrep Research Initiative) and Cape Heart Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rezeen Daniels
- Department of Medicine (AFROStrep Research Initiative) and Cape Heart Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lwazi Mhlanti
- Department of Medicine (AFROStrep Research Initiative) and Cape Heart Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Thomas A Penfound
- Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Craig A Sable
- Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Liesl J Zühlke
- South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Paediatric Cardiology, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - James B Dale
- Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Mark E Engel
- Department of Medicine (AFROStrep Research Initiative) and Cape Heart Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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15
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Genomic Characterization of Skin and Soft Tissue Streptococcus pyogenes Isolates from a Low-Income and a High-Income Setting. mSphere 2023; 8:e0046922. [PMID: 36507654 PMCID: PMC9942559 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00469-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pyogenes is a leading cause of human morbidity and mortality, especially in resource-limited settings. The development of a vaccine against S. pyogenes is a global health priority to reduce the burden of postinfection rheumatic heart disease. To support this, molecular characterization of circulating S. pyogenes isolates is needed. We performed whole-genome analyses of S. pyogenes isolates from skin and soft tissue infections in Sukuta, The Gambia, a low-income country (LIC) in West Africa where there is a high burden of such infections. To act as a comparator to these LIC isolates, skin infection isolates from Sheffield, United Kingdom (a high-income country [HIC]), were also sequenced. The LIC isolates from The Gambia were genetically more diverse (46 emm types in 107 isolates) than the HIC isolates from Sheffield (23 emm types in 142 isolates), with only 7 overlapping emm types. Other molecular markers were shared, including a high prevalence of the skin infection-associated emm pattern D and the variable fibronectin-collagen-T antigen (FCT) types FCT-3 and FCT-4. Fewer of the Gambian LIC isolates carried prophage-associated superantigens (64%) and DNases (26%) than did the Sheffield HIC isolates (99% and 95%, respectively). We also identified streptococcin genes unique to 36% of the Gambian LIC isolates and a higher prevalence (48%) of glucuronic acid utilization pathway genes in the Gambian LIC isolates than in the Sheffield HIC isolates (26%). Comparison to a wider collection of HIC and LIC isolate genomes supported our findings of differing emm diversity and prevalence of bacterial factors. Our study provides insight into the genetics of LIC isolates and how they compare to HIC isolates. IMPORTANCE The global burden of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) has triggered a World Health Organization response to drive forward development of a vaccine against the causative human pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes. This burden stems primarily from low- and middle-income settings where there are high levels of S. pyogenes skin and soft tissue infections, which can lead to RHD. Our study provides much needed whole-genome-based molecular characterization of isolates causing skin infections in Sukuta, The Gambia, a low-income country (LIC) in West Africa where infection and RHD rates are high. Although we identified a greater level of diversity in these LIC isolates than in isolates from Sheffield, United Kingdom (a high-income country), there were some shared features. There were also some features that differed by geographical region, warranting further investigation into their contribution to infection. Our study has also contributed data essential for the development of a vaccine that would target geographically relevant strains.
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Abstract
Recent efforts have re-invigorated the Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus) vaccine development field, though scientific, regulatory and commercial barriers persist, and the vaccine pipeline remains sparse. There is an ongoing need to accelerate all aspects of development to address the large global burden of disease caused by the pathogen. Building on over 100 years of S. pyogenes vaccine development, there are currently eight candidates on a product development track, including four M protein-based candidates and four candidates designed around non-M protein antigens. These candidates have demonstrated proof of concept for protection against S. pyogenes in preclinical models, one has demonstrated safety and immunogenicity in a Phase 1 trial and at least four others are poised to soon enter clinical trials. To maintain momentum, the Strep A Vaccine Global Consortium (SAVAC) was established to bring together experts to accelerate global S. pyogenes vaccine development. This article highlights the past, present and future of S. pyogenes vaccine development and emphasizes key priorities, and the role of SAVAC, in advancing the field.
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Frost H, Excler JL, Sriskandan S, Fulurija A. Correlates of immunity to Group A Streptococcus: a pathway to vaccine development. NPJ Vaccines 2023; 8:1. [PMID: 36650164 PMCID: PMC9844947 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-022-00593-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding immunity in humans to Group A Streptococcus (Strep A) is critical for the development of successful vaccines to prevent the morbidity and mortality attributed to Strep A infections. Despite decades of effort, no licensed vaccine against Strep A exists and immune correlates of protection are lacking; a major impediment to vaccine development. In the absence of a vaccine, we can take cues from the development of natural immunity to Strep A in humans to identify immune correlates of protection. The age stratification of incidence of acute Strep A infections, peaking in young children and waning in early adulthood, coincides with the development of specific immune responses. Therefore, understanding the immune mechanisms involved in natural protection from acute Strep A infection is critical to identifying immune correlates to inform vaccine development. This perspective summarises the findings from natural infection studies, existing assays of immunity to Strep A, and highlights the gaps in knowledge to guide the development of Strep A vaccines and associated correlates of protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Frost
- grid.1058.c0000 0000 9442 535XMurdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Jean-Louis Excler
- grid.30311.300000 0000 9629 885XInternational Vaccine Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Shiranee Sriskandan
- grid.7445.20000 0001 2113 8111Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK ,grid.7445.20000 0001 2113 8111MRC Centre for Molecular Bacteriology & Infection, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Alma Fulurija
- grid.414659.b0000 0000 8828 1230Telethon Kid’s Institute, Perth, WA Australia ,grid.1012.20000 0004 1936 7910The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA Australia
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Muacevic A, Adler JR, Toor D, Lyngdoh V, Nongrum G, Kapoor M, Chakraborti A. Group A Streptococcus Infections: Their Mechanisms, Epidemiology, and Current Scope of Vaccines. Cureus 2022; 14:e33146. [PMID: 36721580 PMCID: PMC9884514 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.33146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Group A streptococci (GAS) are gram-positive, cocci-shaped bacteria that cause a wide variety of infections and are a cause of significant health burden, particularly in lower- and middle-income nations. The GAS genome contains a number of virulence factors such as the M-protein, hyaluronic acid, C5a peptidase, etc. Despite its significant health burden across the globe, a proper vaccine against GAS infections is not yet available. Various candidates for an effective GAS vaccine are currently being researched. These are based on various parts of the streptococcal genome. These include candidates based on the N-terminal region of the M protein, the conserved C-terminal region of the M protein, and other parts of the streptococcal genome. The development of a vaccine against GAS infections is hampered by certain challenges, such as extensive genetic heterogeneity and high protein sequence variation. This review paper sheds light on the various virulence factors of GAS, their epidemiology, the different vaccine candidates currently being researched, and the challenges associated with M-protein and non-M-protein-based vaccines. This review also sheds light on the current scenario regarding the status of vaccine development against GAS-related infections.
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19
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ICU Management of Invasive β-Hemolytic Streptococcal Infections. Infect Dis Clin North Am 2022; 36:861-887. [DOI: 10.1016/j.idc.2022.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Dunne EM, Hutton S, Peterson E, Blackstock AJ, Hahn CG, Turner K, Carter KK. Increasing Incidence of Invasive Group A Streptococcus Disease, Idaho, USA, 2008-2019. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:1785-1795. [PMID: 35997313 PMCID: PMC9423907 DOI: 10.3201/eid2809.212129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated invasive group A Streptococcus epidemiology in Idaho, USA, during 2008–2019 using surveillance data, medical record review, and emm (M protein gene) typing results. Incidence increased from 1.04 to 4.76 cases/100,000 persons during 2008–2019. emm 1, 12, 28, 11, and 4 were the most common types, and 2 outbreaks were identified. We examined changes in distribution of clinical syndrome, patient demographics, and risk factors by comparing 2008–2013 baseline with 2014–2019 data. Incidence was higher among all age groups during 2014–2019. Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome increased from 0% to 6.4% of cases (p = 0.02). We identified no differences in distribution of demographic or risk factors between periods. Results indicated that invasive group A Streptococcus is increasing among the general population of Idaho. Ongoing surveillance of state-level invasive group A Streptococcus cases could help identify outbreaks, track regional trends in incidence, and monitor circulating emm types.
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Arnold B, Bélard S, Alabi A, Hufnagel M, Berner R, Toepfner N. High Diversity of emm Types and Marked Tetracycline Resistance of Group A Streptococci and Other ß-Hemolytic Streptococci in Gabon, Central Africa. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2022; 41:405-410. [PMID: 35213863 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000003483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Group A ß-hemolytic streptococcus (GABHS) is a leading pathogen worldwide and post-streptococcal sequelae is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in resource-limited countries. The M protein (coded by the emm gene) is a key virulence factor and a component of GABHS vaccine candidates. As data on BHS in Central Africa are scarce, antibiotic resistance, emm diversity and potential vaccine coverage were investigated. METHODS In a prospective cross-sectional study, 1014 Gabonese were screened for streptococcal throat carriage, tonsillopharyngitis and pyoderma by throat and skin smear tests. All BHS were isolated, species were identified and analysis of antibiotic resistance, emm types and emm clusters was performed. RESULTS One hundred sixty-five BHS were detected, comprising 76 GABHS, 36 group C ß-hemolytic streptococcus (GCBHS) and 53 group G ß-hemolytic streptococcus (GGBHS) in 140 carrier, 9 tonsillopharyngitis and 16 pyoderma isolates. Eighty percentage of GABHS, 78% of GCBHS and 79% of GGBHS were tetracycline resistant. Forty-six emm types were identified. GABHS emm58, emm65 and emm81 were most prevalent (26%). Emm diversity of GABHS was the highest, GCBHS and GGBHS were less divers. Every second GABHS, every third GCBHS and every tenth GGBHS carrier was colonized with emm types detected in tonsillopharyngitis or pyoderma isolates. CONCLUSIONS Tetracycline resistance and emm type diversity was high among BHS carriers in Gabon with a potential coverage of 58% by the 30-valent GABHS vaccine. A relevant overlap of carrier emm types with emm types found in tonsillopharyngitis and pyoderma characterizes a shared pool of circulating BHS strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Arnold
- Department of Pediatrics, Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Infectious Disease/Tropical Medicine, Nephrology and Rheumatology, St. Georg Hospital, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sabine Bélard
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin, Berlin
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Lambaréné, Gabon
- Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Abraham Alabi
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Markus Hufnagel
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Reinhard Berner
- Department of Pediatrics, Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Nicole Toepfner
- Department of Pediatrics, Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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22
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Rafei R, Al Iaali R, Osman M, Dabboussi F, Hamze M. A global snapshot on the prevalent macrolide-resistant emm types of Group A Streptococcus worldwide, their phenotypes and their resistance marker genotypes during the last two decades: A systematic review. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022; 99:105258. [PMID: 35219865 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2022.105258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Watchful epidemiological surveillance of macrolide-resistant Group A Streptococcus (MRGAS) clones is important owing to the evolutionary and epidemiological dynamic of GAS. Meanwhile, data on the global distribution of MRGAS emm types according to macrolide resistance phenotypes and genotypes are scant and need to be updated. For this, the present systematic review analyses a global set of extensively characterized MRGAS isolates from patients of diverse ages and clinical presentations over approximately two decades (2000 to 2020) and recaps the peculiar epidemiological features of the dominant MRGAS clones. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 53 articles (3593 macrolide-resistant and 15,951 susceptible isolates) distributed over 23 countries were dissected with a predominance of high-income countries over low-income ones. Although macrolide resistance in GAS is highly variable in different countries, its within-GAS distribution seems not to be random. emm pattern E, 13 major emm types (emm12, 4, 28, 77, 75, 11, 22, 92, 58, 60, 94, 63, 114) and 4 emm clusters (A-C4, E1, E6, and E2) were significantly associated with macrolide resistance. emm patterns A-C and D, 14 major emm types (emm89, 3, 6, 2, 44, 82, 87, 118, 5, 49, 81, 59, 227, 78) and 3 well-defined emm clusters (A-C5, E3, and D4) were significantly associated with macrolide susceptibility. Scrutinizing the tendency of each MRGAS emm type to be significantly associated with specific macrolide resistance phenotype or genotype, interesting vignettes are also unveiled. The 30-valent vaccine covers ~95% of MRGAS isolates. The presented data urge the importance of comprehensive nationwide sustained surveillance of MRGAS circulating clones particularly in Low and Middle income countries where sampling bias is high and GAS epidemiology is obfuscated and needs to be demystified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rayane Rafei
- Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé et Environnement (LMSE), Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli, Lebanon.
| | - Rayane Al Iaali
- Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé et Environnement (LMSE), Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli, Lebanon
| | - Marwan Osman
- Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé et Environnement (LMSE), Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli, Lebanon; Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - Fouad Dabboussi
- Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé et Environnement (LMSE), Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli, Lebanon
| | - Monzer Hamze
- Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé et Environnement (LMSE), Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli, Lebanon
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23
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Marzhoseyni Z, Shojaie L, Tabatabaei SA, Movahedpour A, Safari M, Esmaeili D, Mahjoubin-Tehran M, Jalili A, Morshedi K, Khan H, Okhravi R, Hamblin MR, Mirzaei H. Streptococcal bacterial components in cancer therapy. Cancer Gene Ther 2022; 29:141-155. [PMID: 33753868 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-021-00308-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The incidence rate of cancer is steadily increasing all around the world, and there is an urgent need to develop novel and more effective treatment strategies. Recently, bacterial therapy has been investigated as a new approach to target cancer, and is becoming a serious option. Streptococcus strains are among the most common and well-studied virulent bacteria that cause a variety of human infections. Everyone has experienced a sore throat during their lifetime, or has been asymptomatically colonized by streptococci. The ability of Streptococcus bacteria to fight cancer was discovered more than 100 years ago, and over the years has undergone clinical trials, but the mechanism is not yet completely understood. Recently, several animal models and human clinical trials have been reported. Streptococcal strains can have an intrinsic anti-tumor activity, or can activate the host immune system to fight the tumor. Bacteria can selectively accumulate and proliferate in the hypoxic regions of solid tumors. Moreover, the bacteria can be genetically engineered to secrete toxins or enzymes that can specifically attack the tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeynab Marzhoseyni
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Layla Shojaie
- Research Center for Liver Diseases, Keck School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Seyed Alireza Tabatabaei
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Movahedpour
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mahmood Safari
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Davoud Esmaeili
- Department of Microbiology and Applied Microbiology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute and Department of Microbiology, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Mahjoubin-Tehran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amin Jalili
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Korosh Morshedi
- School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Haroon Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, 23200, Pakistan
| | - Ranaa Okhravi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Shahrood Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrood, Iran.
| | - Michael R Hamblin
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein, 2028, South Africa.
| | - Hamed Mirzaei
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
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24
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Rwebembera J, Nascimento BR, Minja NW, de Loizaga S, Aliku T, dos Santos LPA, Galdino BF, Corte LS, Silva VR, Chang AY, Dutra WO, Nunes MCP, Beaton AZ. Recent Advances in the Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease Continuum. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11020179. [PMID: 35215123 PMCID: PMC8878614 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11020179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nearly a century after rheumatic fever (RF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) was eradicated from the developed world, the disease remains endemic in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with grim health and socioeconomic impacts. The neglect of RHD which persisted for a semi-centennial was further driven by competing infectious diseases, particularly the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pandemic. However, over the last two-decades, slowly at first but with building momentum, there has been a resurgence of interest in RF/RHD. In this narrative review, we present the advances that have been made in the RF/RHD continuum over the past two decades since the re-awakening of interest, with a more concise focus on the last decade’s achievements. Such primary advances include understanding the genetic predisposition to RHD, group A Streptococcus (GAS) vaccine development, and improved diagnostic strategies for GAS pharyngitis. Echocardiographic screening for RHD has been a major advance which has unearthed the prevailing high burden of RHD and the recent demonstration of benefit of secondary antibiotic prophylaxis on halting progression of latent RHD is a major step forward. Multiple befitting advances in tertiary management of RHD have also been realized. Finally, we summarize the research gaps and provide illumination on profitable future directions towards global eradication of RHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joselyn Rwebembera
- Department of Adult Cardiology (JR), Uganda Heart Institute, Kampala 37392, Uganda
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +256-779010527
| | - Bruno Ramos Nascimento
- Departamento de Clinica Medica, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, MG, Brazil; (B.R.N.); (L.P.A.d.S.); (B.F.G.); (L.S.C.); (V.R.S.); (M.C.P.N.)
- Servico de Cardiologia e Cirurgia Cardiovascular e Centro de Telessaude, Hospital das Clinicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Professor Alfredo Balena 110, 1st Floor, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, MG, Brazil
| | - Neema W. Minja
- Rheumatic Heart Disease Research Collaborative in Uganda, Uganda Heart Institute, Kampala 37392, Uganda;
| | - Sarah de Loizaga
- School of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; (S.d.L.); (A.Z.B.)
| | - Twalib Aliku
- Department of Paediatric Cardiology (TA), Uganda Heart Institute, Kampala 37392, Uganda;
| | - Luiza Pereira Afonso dos Santos
- Departamento de Clinica Medica, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, MG, Brazil; (B.R.N.); (L.P.A.d.S.); (B.F.G.); (L.S.C.); (V.R.S.); (M.C.P.N.)
| | - Bruno Fernandes Galdino
- Departamento de Clinica Medica, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, MG, Brazil; (B.R.N.); (L.P.A.d.S.); (B.F.G.); (L.S.C.); (V.R.S.); (M.C.P.N.)
| | - Luiza Silame Corte
- Departamento de Clinica Medica, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, MG, Brazil; (B.R.N.); (L.P.A.d.S.); (B.F.G.); (L.S.C.); (V.R.S.); (M.C.P.N.)
| | - Vicente Rezende Silva
- Departamento de Clinica Medica, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, MG, Brazil; (B.R.N.); (L.P.A.d.S.); (B.F.G.); (L.S.C.); (V.R.S.); (M.C.P.N.)
| | - Andrew Young Chang
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA;
| | - Walderez Ornelas Dutra
- Laboratory of Cell-Cell Interactions, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, MG, Brazil;
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Tropical Diseases (INCT-DT), Salvador 40170-970, BA, Brazil
| | - Maria Carmo Pereira Nunes
- Departamento de Clinica Medica, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, MG, Brazil; (B.R.N.); (L.P.A.d.S.); (B.F.G.); (L.S.C.); (V.R.S.); (M.C.P.N.)
- Servico de Cardiologia e Cirurgia Cardiovascular e Centro de Telessaude, Hospital das Clinicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Professor Alfredo Balena 110, 1st Floor, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, MG, Brazil
| | - Andrea Zawacki Beaton
- School of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; (S.d.L.); (A.Z.B.)
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, The Heart Institute, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
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25
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Li Y, Dominguez S, Nanduri SA, Rivers J, Mathis S, Li Z, McGee L, Chochua S, Metcalf BJ, Van Beneden CA, Beall B, Miller L. Genomic Characterization of Group A Streptococci Causing Pharyngitis and Invasive Disease in Colorado, USA, June 2016 - April 2017. J Infect Dis 2021; 225:1841-1851. [PMID: 34788828 PMCID: PMC9125432 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiab565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The genomic features and transmission link of circulating Group A streptococcus (GAS) strains causing different disease types, such as pharyngitis and invasive disease, are not well understood. METHODS We used whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to characterize GAS isolates recovered from persons with pharyngitis and invasive disease in the Denver metropolitan area from June 2016 to April 2017. RESULTS GAS isolates were cultured from 236 invasive and 417 pharyngitis infections. WGS identified 34 emm types. Compared to pharyngitis isolates, invasive isolates were more likely to carry the erm family genes (23% vs. 7.4%, p<0.001), which confer resistance to erythromycin and clindamycin (including inducible resistance), and covS gene inactivation (7% vs. 0.5%, p<0.001). WGS identified 97 genomic clusters (433 isolates; 2-65 isolates per cluster) that consisted of genomically closely related isolates (median SNP (IQR) = 3 (1-4) within cluster). Thirty genomic clusters (200 isolates; 31% of all isolates) contained both pharyngitis and invasive isolates and were found in 11 emm types. CONCLUSIONS In the Denver metropolitan population, mixed disease types were commonly seen in clusters of closely related isolates, indicative of overlapping transmission networks. Antibiotic-resistance and covS inactivation was disproportionally associated with invasive disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Li
- Respiratory Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Samuel Dominguez
- University of Colorado School of Medicine Aurora, CO, USA; Children's Hospital Colorado Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Srinivas A Nanduri
- Respiratory Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Joy Rivers
- Respiratory Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Saundra Mathis
- Respiratory Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Zhongya Li
- Respiratory Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lesley McGee
- Respiratory Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sopio Chochua
- Respiratory Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Benjamin J Metcalf
- Respiratory Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Chris A Van Beneden
- Respiratory Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Bernard Beall
- Respiratory Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lisa Miller
- Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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26
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Zaman M, Huber VC, Heiden DL, DeHaan KN, Chandra S, Erickson D, Ozberk V, Pandey M, Bailly B, Martin G, Langshaw EL, Zaid A, von Itzstein M, Good MF. Combinatorial liposomal peptide vaccine induces IgA and confers protection against influenza virus and bacterial super-infection. Clin Transl Immunology 2021; 10:e1337. [PMID: 34527244 PMCID: PMC8432089 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The upper respiratory tract is the major entry site for Streptococcus pyogenes and influenza virus. Vaccine strategies that activate mucosal immunity could significantly reduce morbidity and mortality because of these pathogens. The severity of influenza is significantly greater if a streptococcal infection occurs during the viraemic period and generally viral infections complicated by a subsequent bacterial infection are known as super-infections. We describe an innovative vaccine strategy against influenza virus:S. pyogenes super-infection. Moreover, we provide the first description of a liposomal multi-pathogen-based platform that enables the incorporation of both viral and bacterial antigens into a vaccine and constitutes a transformative development. Methods Specifically, we have explored a vaccination strategy with biocompatible liposomes that express conserved streptococcal and influenza A virus B-cell epitopes on their surface and contain encapsulated diphtheria toxoid as a source of T-cell help. The vaccine is adjuvanted by inclusion of the synthetic analogue of monophosphoryl lipid A, 3D-PHAD. Results We observe that this vaccine construct induces an Immunoglobulin A (IgA) response in both mice and ferrets. Vaccination reduces viral load in ferrets from influenza challenge and protects mice from both pathogens. Notably, vaccination significantly reduces both mortality and morbidity associated with a super-infection. Conclusion The vaccine design is modular and could be adapted to include B-cell epitopes from other mucosal pathogens where an IgA response is required for protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehfuz Zaman
- Institute for GlycomicsGriffith UniversityGold CoastQLDAustralia
| | - Victor C Huber
- Division of Basic Biomedical SciencesSanford School of MedicineUniversity of South DakotaVermillionSDUSA
| | - Dustin L Heiden
- Division of Basic Biomedical SciencesSanford School of MedicineUniversity of South DakotaVermillionSDUSA
| | - Katerina N DeHaan
- Division of Basic Biomedical SciencesSanford School of MedicineUniversity of South DakotaVermillionSDUSA
| | - Sanyogita Chandra
- Division of Basic Biomedical SciencesSanford School of MedicineUniversity of South DakotaVermillionSDUSA
| | - Demi Erickson
- Division of Basic Biomedical SciencesSanford School of MedicineUniversity of South DakotaVermillionSDUSA
| | - Victoria Ozberk
- Institute for GlycomicsGriffith UniversityGold CoastQLDAustralia
| | - Manisha Pandey
- Institute for GlycomicsGriffith UniversityGold CoastQLDAustralia
| | - Benjamin Bailly
- Institute for GlycomicsGriffith UniversityGold CoastQLDAustralia
| | - Gael Martin
- Institute for GlycomicsGriffith UniversityGold CoastQLDAustralia
| | - Emma L Langshaw
- Institute for GlycomicsGriffith UniversityGold CoastQLDAustralia
| | - Ali Zaid
- The Emerging Viruses, Inflammation and Therapeutics GroupMenzies Health Institute QueenslandGriffith UniversityGold CoastQLDAustralia
- School of Medical SciencesGriffith UniversityGold CoastQLDAustralia
- Global Virus Network (GVN) Centre of Excellence in ArbovirusesGriffith UniversityGold CoastQLDAustralia
| | | | - Michael F Good
- Institute for GlycomicsGriffith UniversityGold CoastQLDAustralia
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27
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Multicomponent Vaccines against Group A Streptococcus Can Effectively Target Broad Disease Presentations. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9091025. [PMID: 34579262 PMCID: PMC8473114 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9091025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is an important global human pathogen, with a wide range of disease presentations, from mild mucosal infections like pharyngitis to invasive diseases such as toxic shock syndrome. The effect on health and mortality from GAS infections is substantial worldwide, particularly from autoimmune sequelae-like rheumatic heart disease (RHD), and there is currently no licenced vaccine. We investigated protein antigens targeting a broad range of GAS disease presentations as vaccine components in individual and combination formulations. The potency and functional immunity generated were evaluated and compared between groups. Antibodies against all components were found in pooled human IgG (IVIG) and an immune response generated following the subcutaneous immunisation of mice. A combination immunisation showed a reduction in IgG response for SpyCEP but an increase for Cpa and Mac-1 (IdeS). An opsonophagocytosis assay (OPA) showed the killing of GAS with immune sera against M protein and combination groups, with a lower killing activity observed for immune sera against other individual antigens. Specific antigen assays showed functional immunity against SpyCEP and Mac-1 from both individual and combination immunisations, with the activity correlating with antibody titres. However, efficient blocking of the binding activity of Cpa to collagen I and fibronectin could not be demonstrated with immune sera or purified IgG. Our data indicate that combination immunisations, while effective at covering a broader range of virulence factors, can also affect the immune response generated. Further, our results showed that an OPA alone is inadequate for understanding protection from vaccination, particularly when considering protection from immune evasion factors and evaluation of the colonisation leading to pharyngitis.
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28
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Aranha MP, Penfound TA, Salehi S, Botteaux A, Smeesters P, Dale JB, Smith JC. Design of Broadly Cross-Reactive M Protein-Based Group A Streptococcal Vaccines. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 207:1138-1149. [PMID: 34341168 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Group A streptococcal infections are a significant cause of global morbidity and mortality. A leading vaccine candidate is the surface M protein, a major virulence determinant and protective Ag. One obstacle to the development of M protein-based vaccines is the >200 different M types defined by the N-terminal sequences that contain protective epitopes. Despite sequence variability, M proteins share coiled-coil structural motifs that bind host proteins required for virulence. In this study, we exploit this potential Achilles heel of conserved structure to predict cross-reactive M peptides that could serve as broadly protective vaccine Ags. Combining sequences with structural predictions, six heterologous M peptides in a sequence-related cluster were predicted to elicit cross-reactive Abs with the remaining five nonvaccine M types in the cluster. The six-valent vaccine elicited Abs in rabbits that reacted with all 11 M peptides in the cluster and functional opsonic Abs against vaccine and nonvaccine M types in the cluster. We next immunized mice with four sequence-unrelated M peptides predicted to contain different coiled-coil propensities and tested the antisera for cross-reactivity against 41 heterologous M peptides. Based on these results, we developed an improved algorithm to select cross-reactive peptide pairs using additional parameters of coiled-coil length and propensity. The revised algorithm accurately predicted cross-reactive Ab binding, improving the Matthews correlation coefficient from 0.42 to 0.74. These results form the basis for selecting the minimum number of N-terminal M peptides to include in potentially broadly efficacious multivalent vaccines that could impact the overall global burden of group A streptococcal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle P Aranha
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN; .,Center for Molecular Biophysics, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN
| | - Thomas A Penfound
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
| | - Sanaz Salehi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
| | - Anne Botteaux
- Molecular Bacteriology Laboratory, Free University of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pierre Smeesters
- Molecular Bacteriology Laboratory, Free University of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium.,Academic Children's Hospital Queen Fabiola, Free University of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium; and.,Centre for International Child Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - James B Dale
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN;
| | - Jeremy C Smith
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN; .,Center for Molecular Biophysics, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN
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29
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Chen L, Qin H, Zhao R, Zhao X, Lin L, Chen Y, Lin Y, Li Y, Qin Y, Li Y, Liu S, Cheng K, Chen H, Shi J, Anderson GJ, Wu Y, Zhao Y, Nie G. Bacterial cytoplasmic membranes synergistically enhance the antitumor activity of autologous cancer vaccines. Sci Transl Med 2021; 13:13/601/eabc2816. [PMID: 34233949 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abc2816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cancer vaccines based on resected tumors from patients have gained great interest as an individualized cancer treatment strategy. However, eliciting a robust therapeutic effect with personalized vaccines remains a challenge because of the weak immunogenicity of autologous tumor antigens. Utilizing exogenous prokaryotic constituents that act as adjuvants to enhance immunogenicity is a promising strategy to overcome this limitation. However, nonspecific stimulation of the immune system may elicit an undesirable immunopathological state. To specifically trigger sufficient antitumor reactivity without notable adverse effects, we developed an antigen and adjuvant codelivery nanoparticle vaccine based on Escherichia coli cytoplasmic membranes (EMs) and tumor cell membranes (TMs) from resected autologous tumor tissue. Introduction of the EM into the hybrid membrane nanoparticle vaccines (HM-NPs) induced dendritic cell maturation, thus activating splenic T cells. HM-NPs showed efficacy in immunogenic CT26 colon and 4T1 breast tumor mouse models and also efficiently induced tumor regression in B16-F10 melanoma and EMT6 breast tumor mouse models. Furthermore, HM-NPs provoked a strong tumor-specific immune response, which not only extended postoperative animal survival but also conferred long-term protection (up to 3 months) against tumor rechallenge in a CT26 colon tumor mouse model. Specific depletion of different immune cell populations revealed that CD8+ T and NK cells were crucial to the vaccine-elicited tumor regression. Individualized autologous tumor antigen vaccines based on effective activation of the innate immune system by bacterial cytoplasmic membranes hold great potential for personalized treatment of postoperative patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center of Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, P. R. China.,Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Hao Qin
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center of Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, P. R. China.,Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Ruifang Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center of Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, P. R. China. .,Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China.,GBA National Institute for Nanotechnology Innovation, Guangdong 510700, P. R. China
| | - Xiao Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center of Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, P. R. China.,Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Liangru Lin
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center of Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, P. R. China.,Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130012, P. R. China
| | - Yang Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center of Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, P. R. China.,Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Yixuan Lin
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center of Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, P. R. China.,Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Yao Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center of Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, P. R. China.,Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, P. R. China
| | - Yuting Qin
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center of Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, P. R. China.,Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Yiye Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center of Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, P. R. China.,Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Shaoli Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center of Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, P. R. China.,Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Keman Cheng
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center of Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, P. R. China.,Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, P. R. China
| | - Hanqing Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510180, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Jian Shi
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center of Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
| | - Gregory J Anderson
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Queensland 4029, Australia
| | - Yan Wu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center of Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, P. R. China. .,Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Yuliang Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center of Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, P. R. China. .,Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China.,GBA National Institute for Nanotechnology Innovation, Guangdong 510700, P. R. China
| | - Guangjun Nie
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center of Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, P. R. China. .,Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China.,GBA National Institute for Nanotechnology Innovation, Guangdong 510700, P. R. China
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30
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Tanz RR, Shulman ST. Antimicrobial Stewardship: A Potentially Important Benefit of a Group A Streptococcus Vaccine in Areas With Low Rates of Acute Rheumatic Fever. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 73:e59-e61. [PMID: 32374821 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Robert R Tanz
- Division of Academic General Pediatrics & Primary Care, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Stanford T Shulman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW There is a global need for well tolerated, effective, and affordable vaccines to prevent group A streptococcal infections and their most serious complications. The aim of this review is to highlight the recent progress in the identification of promising vaccine antigens and new approaches to vaccine design that address the complexities of group A streptococcal pathogenesis and epidemiology. RECENT FINDINGS Combination vaccines containing multiple shared, cross-protective antigens have proven efficacious in mouse and nonhuman primate models of infection. The development of complex multivalent M protein-based vaccines is continuing and several have progressed through early-stage human clinical trials. Formulations of vaccines containing universal T-cell epitopes, toll-like receptor agonists, and other adjuvants more potent than alum have been shown to enhance protective immunogenicity. Although the group A streptococcal vaccine antigen landscape is populated with a number of potential candidates, the clinical development of vaccines has been impeded by a number of factors. There are now concerted global efforts to raise awareness about the need for group A streptococcal vaccines and to support progress toward eventual commercialization and licensure. SUMMARY Preclinical antigen discovery, vaccine formulation, and efficacy studies in animal models have progressed significantly in recent years. There is now a need to move promising candidates through the clinical development pathway to establish their efficacy in preventing group A streptococcal infections and their complications.
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Castro SA, Dorfmueller HC. A brief review on Group A Streptococcus pathogenesis and vaccine development. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2021; 8:201991. [PMID: 33959354 PMCID: PMC8074923 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.201991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as Group A Streptococcus (GAS), is a Gram-positive human-exclusive pathogen, responsible for more than 500 000 deaths annually worldwide. Upon infection, GAS commonly triggers mild symptoms such as pharyngitis, pyoderma and fever. However, recurrent infections or prolonged exposure to GAS might lead to life-threatening conditions. Necrotizing fasciitis, streptococcal toxic shock syndrome and post-immune mediated diseases, such as poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis, acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease, contribute to very high mortality rates in non-industrialized countries. Though an initial reduction in GAS infections was observed in high-income countries, global outbreaks of GAS, causing rheumatic fever and acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis, have been reported over the last decade. At the same time, our understanding of GAS pathogenesis and transmission has vastly increased, with detailed insight into the various stages of infection, beginning with adhesion, colonization and evasion of the host immune system. Despite deeper knowledge of the impact of GAS on the human body, the development of a successful vaccine for prophylaxis of GAS remains outstanding. In this review, we discuss the challenges involved in identifying a universal GAS vaccine and describe several potential vaccine candidates that we believe warrant pursuit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sowmya Ajay Castro
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Helge C. Dorfmueller
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
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33
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Spencer JA, Penfound T, Salehi S, Aranha MP, Wade LE, Agarwal R, Smith JC, Dale JB, Baudry J. Cross-reactive immunogenicity of group A streptococcal vaccines designed using a recurrent neural network to identify conserved M protein linear epitopes. Vaccine 2021; 39:1773-1779. [PMID: 33642159 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.01.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The M protein of group A streptococci (Strep A) is a major virulence determinant and protective antigen. The N-terminal sequence of the protein defines the more than 200 M types of Strep A and also contains epitopes that elicit opsonic antibodies, some of which cross-react with heterologous M types. Current efforts to develop broadly protective M protein-based vaccines are directed at identifying potential cross-protective epitopes located in the N-terminal regions of cluster-related M proteins for use as vaccine antigens. In this study, we have used a comprehensive approach using the recurrent neural network ABCpred and IEDB epitope conservancy analysis tools to predict 16 residue linear B-cell epitopes from 117 clinically relevant M types of Strep A (~88% of global Strep A infections). To examine the immunogenicity of these epitope-based vaccines, nine peptides that together shared ≥60% sequence identity with 37 heterologous M proteins were incorporated into two recombinant hybrid protein vaccines, in which the epitopes were repeated 2 or 3 times, respectively. The combined immune responses of immunized rabbits showed that the vaccines elicited significant levels of antibodies against all nine vaccine epitopes present in homologous N-terminal 1-50 amino acid synthetic M peptides, as well as cross-reactive antibodies against 16 of 37 heterologous M peptides predicted to contain similar epitopes. The epitope-specificity of the cross-reactive antibodies was confirmed by ELISA inhibition assays and functional opsonic activity was assayed in HL-60-based bactericidal assays. The results provide important information for the future design of broadly protective M protein-based Strep A vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay A Spencer
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL 35899, United States
| | - Tom Penfound
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, United States
| | - Sanaz Salehi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, United States
| | - Michelle P Aranha
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, United States; UT/ORNL Center for Molecular Biophysics, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, United States
| | - Lauren E Wade
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, United States
| | - Rupesh Agarwal
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, United States; UT/ORNL Center for Molecular Biophysics, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, United States
| | - Jeremy C Smith
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, United States; UT/ORNL Center for Molecular Biophysics, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, United States
| | - James B Dale
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, United States
| | - Jerome Baudry
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL 35899, United States.
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34
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Ozberk V, Reynolds S, Huo Y, Calcutt A, Eskandari S, Dooley J, Mills JL, Rasmussen IS, Dietrich J, Pandey M, Good MF. Prime-Pull Immunization with a Bivalent M-Protein and Spy-CEP Peptide Vaccine Adjuvanted with CAF®01 Liposomes Induces Both Mucosal and Peripheral Protection from covR/S Mutant Streptococcus pyogenes. mBio 2021; 12:e03537-20. [PMID: 33622722 PMCID: PMC8545125 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03537-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Infections with Streptococcus pyogenes and their sequelae are responsible for an estimated 18 million cases of serious disease with >700 million new primary cases and 500,000 deaths per year. Despite the burden of disease, there is currently no vaccine available for this organism. Here, we define a combination vaccine P*17/K4S2 comprising of 20-mer B-cell peptide epitopes, p*17 (a mutant derived from the highly conserved C3-repeat region of the M-protein), and K4S2 (derived from the streptococcal anti-neutrophil factor, Spy-CEP). The peptides are chemically conjugated to either diphtheria toxoid (DT) or a nontoxic mutant form of diphtheria toxin, CRM197. We demonstrate that a prime-pull immunization regimen involving two intramuscular inoculations with P*17/K4S2 adjuvanted with a two-component liposomal adjuvant system (CAF01; developed by Statens Serum Institut [SSI], Denmark), followed by an intranasal inoculation of unadjuvanted vaccine (in Tris) induces peptide- and S. pyogenes-binding antibodies and protects from mucosal and skin infection with hypervirulent covR/S mutant organisms. Prior vaccination with DT does not diminish the response to the conjugate peptide vaccines. Detailed Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) toxicological evaluation in male and female rats did not reveal any gross or histopathological adverse effects.IMPORTANCE A vaccine to control S. pyogenes infection is desperately warranted. S. pyogenes colonizes the upper respiratory tract (URT) and skin, from where it can progress to invasive and immune-mediated diseases. Global mortality estimates for S. pyogenes-associated diseases exceeds 500,000 deaths per year. S. pyogenes utilizes antigenic variation as a defense mechanism to circumvent host immune responses and thus a successful vaccine needs to provide strain-transcending and multicompartment (mucosal and skin) immunity. By defining highly conserved and protective epitopes from two critical virulence factors (M-protein and Spy-CEP) and combining them with a potent immunostimulant, CAF®01, we are addressing an unmet clinical need for a mucosally and skin-active subunit vaccine. We demonstrate that prime-pull immunization (2× intramuscular injections followed by intranasal immunization) promotes high sustained antibody levels in the airway mucosa and serum and protects against URT and invasive disease.
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MESH Headings
- Adjuvants, Immunologic/administration & dosage
- Animals
- Antibodies, Bacterial/blood
- Antigens, Bacterial/genetics
- Antigens, Bacterial/immunology
- Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins/administration & dosage
- Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins/genetics
- Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins/immunology
- Epitopes, B-Lymphocyte/genetics
- Epitopes, B-Lymphocyte/immunology
- Female
- Immunity, Mucosal
- Immunization/methods
- Liposomes/administration & dosage
- Liposomes/chemistry
- Male
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Streptococcal Infections/prevention & control
- Streptococcal Vaccines/administration & dosage
- Streptococcal Vaccines/immunology
- Streptococcus pyogenes/genetics
- Streptococcus pyogenes/immunology
- Vaccines, Subunit/administration & dosage
- Vaccines, Subunit/immunology
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Ozberk
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Simone Reynolds
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Yongbao Huo
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Ainslie Calcutt
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | | | - Jessica Dooley
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Jamie-Lee Mills
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Ida S Rasmussen
- Center for Vaccine Research, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jes Dietrich
- Center for Vaccine Research, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Manisha Pandey
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Michael F Good
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
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35
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Loh JMS, Rivera-Hernandez T, McGregor R, Khemlani AHJ, Tay ML, Cork AJ, M Raynes J, Moreland NJ, Walker MJ, Proft T. A multivalent T-antigen-based vaccine for Group A Streptococcus. Sci Rep 2021; 11:4353. [PMID: 33623073 PMCID: PMC7902606 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83673-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pili of Group A Streptococcus (GAS) are surface-exposed structures involved in adhesion and colonisation of the host during infection. The major protein component of the GAS pilus is the T-antigen, which multimerises to form the pilus shaft. There are currently no licenced vaccines against GAS infections and the T-antigen represents an attractive target for vaccination. We have generated a multivalent vaccine called TeeVax1, a recombinant protein that consists of a fusion of six T-antigen domains. Vaccination with TeeVax1 produces opsonophagocytic antibodies in rabbits and confers protective efficacy in mice against invasive disease. Two further recombinant proteins, TeeVax2 and TeeVax3 were constructed to cover 12 additional T-antigens. Combining TeeVax1–3 produced a robust antibody response in rabbits that was cross-reactive to a full panel of 21 T-antigens, expected to provide over 95% vaccine coverage. These results demonstrate the potential for a T-antigen-based vaccine to prevent GAS infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacelyn M S Loh
- Department of Molecular Medicine & Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand. .,Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Tania Rivera-Hernandez
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre and School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia.,Cátedras CONACYT-Unidad de Investigación Médica en Inmunoquímica, Hospital de Especialidades del Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Reuben McGregor
- Department of Molecular Medicine & Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand.,Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Adrina Hema J Khemlani
- Department of Molecular Medicine & Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand.,Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Mei Lin Tay
- Department of Molecular Medicine & Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand.,Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Amanda J Cork
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre and School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Jeremy M Raynes
- Department of Molecular Medicine & Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand.,Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand.,Monash University, Clayton Campus, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Nicole J Moreland
- Department of Molecular Medicine & Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand.,Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Mark J Walker
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre and School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Thomas Proft
- Department of Molecular Medicine & Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand. .,Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand.
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36
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Preclinical safety and immunogenicity of Streptococcus pyogenes (Strep A) peptide vaccines. Sci Rep 2021; 11:127. [PMID: 33420258 PMCID: PMC7794325 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80508-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
We have developed two candidate vaccines to protect against multiple strains of Strep A infections. The candidates are combinatorial synthetic peptide vaccines composed of a M protein epitope (J8 or p*17) and a non-M protein epitope (K4S2). To enhance immunogenicity, each peptide is conjugated to the carrier protein CRM197 (CRM) and formulated with aluminium hydroxide adjuvant Alhydrogel (Alum) to make the final vaccines, J8-CRM + K4S2-CRM/Alum and p*17-CRM + K4S2-CRM/Alum. The safety and toxicity of each vaccine was assessed. Sprague Dawley rats were administered three intramuscular doses, over a six-week study with a 4-week recovery period. A control group received CRM only formulated with Alum (CRM/Alum). There was no evidence of systemic toxicity in the rats administered either vaccine. There was an associated increase in white blood cell, lymphocyte and monocyte counts, increased adrenal gland weights, adrenocortical hypertrophy, and increased severity of granulomatous inflammation at the sites of injection and the associated inguinal lymph nodes. These changes were considered non-adverse. All rats administered vaccine developed a robust and sustained immunological response. The absence of clinical toxicity and the development of an immunological response in the rats suggests that the vaccines are safe for use in a phase 1 clinical trial in healthy humans.
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37
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Dooley LM, Ahmad TB, Pandey M, Good MF, Kotiw M. Rheumatic heart disease: A review of the current status of global research activity. Autoimmun Rev 2020; 20:102740. [PMID: 33333234 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2020.102740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a serious and long-term consequence of acute rheumatic fever (ARF), an autoimmune sequela of a mucosal infection by Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus, Strep A). The pathogenesis of ARF and RHD is complex and not fully understood but involves host and bacterial factors, molecular mimicry, and aberrant host innate and adaptive immune responses that result in loss of self-tolerance and subsequent cross-reactivity with host tissues. RHD is entirely preventable yet claims an estimated 320 000 lives annually. The major burden of disease is carried by developing nations and Indigenous populations within developed nations, including Australia. This review will focus on the epidemiology, pathogenesis and treatment of ARF and RHD in Australia, where: streptococcal pyoderma, rather than streptococcal pharyngitis, and Group C and Group G Streptococcus, have been implicated as antecedents to ARF; the rates of RHD in remote Indigenous communities are persistently among the highest in the world; government register-based programs coordinate disease screening and delivery of prophylaxis with variable success; and researchers are making significant progress in the development of a broad-spectrum vaccine against Strep A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leanne M Dooley
- School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia; Institute for Life Sciences and the Environment, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Tarek B Ahmad
- School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia; Institute for Life Sciences and the Environment, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Manisha Pandey
- The Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Michael F Good
- The Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Michael Kotiw
- School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia; Institute for Life Sciences and the Environment, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia.
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38
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Subdominance in Antibody Responses: Implications for Vaccine Development. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2020; 85:85/1/e00078-20. [PMID: 33239435 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00078-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccines work primarily by eliciting antibodies, even when recovery from natural infection depends on cellular immunity. Large efforts have therefore been made to identify microbial antigens that elicit protective antibodies, but these endeavors have encountered major difficulties, as witnessed by the lack of vaccines against many pathogens. This review summarizes accumulating evidence that subdominant protein regions, i.e., surface-exposed regions that elicit relatively weak antibody responses, are of particular interest for vaccine development. This concept may seem counterintuitive, but subdominance may represent an immune evasion mechanism, implying that the corresponding region potentially is a key target for protective immunity. Following a presentation of the concepts of immunodominance and subdominance, the review will present work on subdominant regions in several major human pathogens: the protozoan Plasmodium falciparum, two species of pathogenic streptococci, and the dengue and influenza viruses. Later sections are devoted to the molecular basis of subdominance, its potential role in immune evasion, and general implications for vaccine development. Special emphasis will be placed on the fact that a whole surface-exposed protein domain can be subdominant, as demonstrated for all of the pathogens described here. Overall, the available data indicate that subdominant protein regions are of much interest for vaccine development, not least in bacterial and protozoal systems, for which antibody subdominance remains largely unexplored.
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39
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Abstract
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) remains the most common cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality globally in children and young adults. This article focuses on prevention and management of RHD. Pregnancy can unmask previously undiagnosed RHD and poses high risk for mother and fetus. Management of anticoagulation is important. Definitive catheter and surgical intervention are the only treatments that can improve outcomes of patients with moderate or severe RHD. Access to intervention remains very limited in RHD endemic regions. There are ongoing global efforts to increase awareness, public policy adoption, and greater access to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig Sable
- Cardiology, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Avenue, Northwest, Washington, DC 20010, USA.
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40
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M-protein based vaccine induces immunogenicity and protection from Streptococcus pyogenes when delivered on a high-density microarray patch (HD-MAP). NPJ Vaccines 2020; 5:74. [PMID: 32802413 PMCID: PMC7414110 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-020-00222-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We evaluated vaccination against Streptococcus pyogenes with the candidate vaccine, J8-DT, delivered by a high-density microarray patch (HD-MAP). We showed that vaccination with J8-DT eluted from a coated HD-MAP (J8-DT/HD-MAP), induced similar total IgG responses to that generated by vaccination with J8-DT adjuvanted with Alum (J8-DT/Alum). We evaluated the effect of dose reduction and the number of vaccinations on the antibody response profile of vaccinated mice. A reduction in the number of vaccinations (from three to two) with J8-DT/HD-MAP induced comparable antibody responses to three vaccinations with intramuscular J8-DT/Alum. Vaccine-induced protection against an S. pyogenes skin challenge was assessed. J8-DT/HD-MAP vaccination led to a significant reduction in the number of S. pyogenes colony forming units in skin (92.9%) and blood (100%) compared to intramuscular vaccination with unadjuvanted J8-DT. The protection profile was comparable to that of intramuscular J8-DT/Alum. J8-DT/HD-MAP induced a shift in the antibody isotype profile, with a bias towards Th1-related isotypes, compared to J8-DT/Alum (Th2 bias). Based on the results of this study, the use of J8-DT/HD-MAP should be considered in future clinical development and control programs against S. pyogenes. Furthermore, the innate characteristics of the technology, such as vaccine stability and increased coverage, ease of use, reduction of sharp waste and the potential reduction of dose may be advantageous compared to current vaccination methods.
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41
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Li Y, Rivers J, Mathis S, Li Z, Velusamy S, Nanduri SA, Van Beneden CA, Snippes-Vagnone P, Lynfield R, McGee L, Chochua S, Metcalf BJ, Beall B. Genomic Surveillance of Streptococcus pyogenes Strains Causing Invasive Disease, United States, 2016-2017. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1547. [PMID: 32849323 PMCID: PMC7396493 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Streptococcus pyogenes is a major cause of severe, invasive infections in humans. The bacterial pathogen harbors a wide array of virulence factors and exhibits high genomic diversity. Rapid changes of circulating strains in a community are common. Understanding the current prevalence and dynamics of S. pyogenes lineages could inform vaccine development and disease control strategies. METHODS We used whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to characterize all invasive S. pyogenes isolates obtained through the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention's Active Bacterial Core surveillance (ABCs) in 2016 and 2017. We determined the distribution of strain features, including emm type, antibiotic resistance determinants, and selected virulence factors. Changes in strain feature distribution between years 2016 and 2017 were evaluated. Phylogenetic analysis was used to identify expanding lineages within emm type. RESULTS Seventy-one emm types were identified from 3873 isolates characterized. The emm types targeted by a 30-valent M protein-based vaccine accounted for 3230 (89%) isolates. The relative frequencies of emm types collected during the 2 years were similar. While all isolates were penicillin-susceptible, erythromycin-resistant isolates increased from 273 (16% of 2016 isolates) to 432 (23% of 2017 isolates), mainly driven by increase of the erm-positive emm types 92 and 83. The prevalence of 24 virulence factors, including 11 streptococcal pyrogenic toxins, ranged from 6 to 90%. In each of three emm types (emm 49, 82, and 92), a subgroup of isolates significantly expanded between 2016 and 2017 compared to isolates outside of the subgroup (P-values < 0.0001). Specific genomic sequence changes were associated with these expanded lineages. CONCLUSIONS While the overall population structure of invasive S. pyogenes isolates in the United States remained stable, some lineages, including several that were antibiotic-resistant, increased between 2016 and 2017. Continued genomic surveillance can help monitor and characterize bacterial features associated with emerging strains from invasive infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Li
- Respiratory Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Joy Rivers
- Respiratory Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Saundra Mathis
- Respiratory Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Zhongya Li
- Respiratory Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Srinivasan Velusamy
- Respiratory Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Srinivas A. Nanduri
- Respiratory Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Chris A. Van Beneden
- Respiratory Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | | | - Ruth Lynfield
- Minnesota Department of Health, St Paul, MN, United States
| | - Lesley McGee
- Respiratory Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Sopio Chochua
- Respiratory Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Benjamin J. Metcalf
- Respiratory Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Bernard Beall
- Respiratory Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, GA, United States
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Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Prevalence of Group A Streptococcal emm Clusters in Africa To Inform Vaccine Development. mSphere 2020; 5:5/4/e00429-20. [PMID: 32669471 PMCID: PMC7364215 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00429-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Low vaccine coverage is of grave public health concern, particularly in developing countries where epidemiological data are often absent. To inform vaccine development for group A Streptococcus (GAS), we report on the epidemiology of the M protein emm clusters from GAS infections in Africa, where GAS-related illnesses and their sequelae, including rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease, are of a high burden. This first report of emm clusters across the continent indicates a high probably of coverage by the M protein-based vaccine currently undergoing testing were an emm-cluster based approach to be used. An emm-cluster based system was proposed as a standard typing scheme to facilitate and enhance future studies of group A Streptococcus (GAS) epidemiological surveillance, M protein function, and vaccine development strategies. We provide an evidence-based distribution of GAS emm clusters in Africa and assess the potential coverage of the new 30-valent vaccine in terms of an emm cluster-based approach. Two reviewers independently assessed studies retrieved from a comprehensive search and extracted relevant data. Meta-analyses were performed (random-effects model) to aggregate emm cluster prevalence estimates. Eight studies (n = 1,595 isolates) revealed the predominant emm clusters as E6 (18%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 12.6% to 24.0%), followed by E3 (14%; 95% CI, 11.2% to 17.4%) and E4 (13%; 95% CI, 9.5% to 16.0%). There was negligible variation in emm clusters with regard to regions, age, and socioeconomic status across the continent. Considering an emm cluster-based vaccine strategy, which assumes cross-protection within clusters, the 30-valent vaccine currently in clinical development would provide hypothetical coverage to 80.3% of isolates in Africa. This systematic review indicates the most predominant GAS emm cluster in Africa is E6 followed by E3, E4, and D4. The current 30-valent vaccine would provide considerable coverage across the diversity of emm cluster types in Africa. Future efforts could be directed toward estimating the overall potential coverage of the new 30-valent vaccine based on cross-opsonization studies with representative panels of GAS isolates from populations at highest risk for GAS diseases. IMPORTANCE Low vaccine coverage is of grave public health concern, particularly in developing countries where epidemiological data are often absent. To inform vaccine development for group A Streptococcus (GAS), we report on the epidemiology of the M protein emm clusters from GAS infections in Africa, where GAS-related illnesses and their sequelae, including rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease, are of a high burden. This first report of emm clusters across the continent indicates a high probably of coverage by the M protein-based vaccine currently undergoing testing were an emm-cluster based approach to be used.
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Abril AG, Carrera M, Böhme K, Barros-Velázquez J, Rama JLR, Calo-Mata P, Sánchez-Pérez A, Villa TG. Proteomic Characterization of Antibiotic Resistance, and Production of Antimicrobial and Virulence Factors in Streptococcus Species Associated with Bovine Mastitis. Could Enzybiotics Represent Novel Therapeutic Agents Against These Pathogens? Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9060302. [PMID: 32512932 PMCID: PMC7344566 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9060302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus spp. are major mastitis pathogens present in dairy products, which produce a variety of virulence factors that are involved in streptococcal pathogenicity. These include neuraminidase, pyrogenic exotoxin, and M protein, and in addition they might produce bacteriocins and antibiotic-resistance proteins. Unjustifiable misuse of antimicrobials has led to an increase in antibiotic-resistant bacteria present in foodstuffs. Identification of the mastitis-causing bacterial strain, as well as determining its antibiotic resistance and sensitivity is crucial for effective therapy. The present work focused on the LC–ESI–MS/MS (liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry) analysis of tryptic digestion peptides from mastitis-causing Streptococcus spp. isolated from milk. A total of 2706 non-redundant peptides belonging to 2510 proteins was identified and analyzed. Among them, 168 peptides were determined, representing proteins that act as virulence factors, toxins, anti-toxins, provide resistance to antibiotics that are associated with the production of lantibiotic-related compounds, or play a role in the resistance to toxic substances. Protein comparisons with the NCBI database allowed the identification of 134 peptides as specific to Streptococcus spp., while two peptides (EATGNQNISPNLTISNAQLNLEDKNK and DLWC*NM*IIAAK) were found to be species-specific to Streptococcus dysgalactiae. This proteomic repository might be useful for further studies and research work, as well as for the development of new therapeutics for the mastitis-causing Streptococcus strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana G. Abril
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Campus Sur 15782, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (A.G.A.); (J.-L.R.R.)
| | - Mónica Carrera
- Marine Research Institute (IIM), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Eduardo Cabello 6, 36208 Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain;
| | - Karola Böhme
- Agroalimentary Technological Center of Lugo, Montirón 154, 27002 Lugo, Spain;
| | - Jorge Barros-Velázquez
- Departamento de Química Analítica, Nutrición y Bromatología, Area de Tecnología de los Alimentos, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus Lugo, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (J.B.-V.); (P.C.-M.)
| | - José-Luis R. Rama
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Campus Sur 15782, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (A.G.A.); (J.-L.R.R.)
| | - Pilar Calo-Mata
- Departamento de Química Analítica, Nutrición y Bromatología, Area de Tecnología de los Alimentos, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus Lugo, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (J.B.-V.); (P.C.-M.)
| | - Angeles Sánchez-Pérez
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
| | - Tomás G. Villa
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Campus Sur 15782, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (A.G.A.); (J.-L.R.R.)
- Correspondence:
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44
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Dai C, Khalil ZG, Hussein WM, Yang J, Wang X, Zhao L, Capon RJ, Toth I, Stephenson RJ. Opsonic Activity of Conservative Versus Variable Regions of the Group A Streptococcus M Protein. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8020210. [PMID: 32392777 PMCID: PMC7349123 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8020210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Group A Streptococcus (GAS) and GAS-associated infections are a global challenge, with no licensed GAS vaccine on the market. The GAS M protein is a critical virulence factor in the fight against GAS infection, and it has been a primary target for GAS vaccine development. Measuring functional opsonic antibodies against GAS is an important component in the clinical development path for effective vaccines. In this study, we compared the opsonic activity of two synthetic, self-adjuvanting subunit vaccines containing either the J8- or 88/30-epitope in Swiss outbred mice using intranasal administration. Following primary immunization and three boosts, sera were assessed for IgG activity using ELISA, and opsonization activity against seven randomly selected clinical isolates of GAS was measured. Vaccine constructs containing the conservative J8-epitope showed significant opsonic activity against six out of the seven GAS clinical isolates, while the vaccine containing the variable 88/30-epitope did not show any significant opsonic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuankai Dai
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (C.D.); (W.M.H.); (J.Y.); (X.W.); (L.Z.); (I.T.)
| | - Zeinab G. Khalil
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (Z.G.K.); (R.J.C.)
| | - Waleed M. Hussein
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (C.D.); (W.M.H.); (J.Y.); (X.W.); (L.Z.); (I.T.)
- Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University, Helwan 11795, Egypt
| | - Jieru Yang
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (C.D.); (W.M.H.); (J.Y.); (X.W.); (L.Z.); (I.T.)
| | - Xiumin Wang
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (C.D.); (W.M.H.); (J.Y.); (X.W.); (L.Z.); (I.T.)
- Gene Engineering Laboratory, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Lili Zhao
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (C.D.); (W.M.H.); (J.Y.); (X.W.); (L.Z.); (I.T.)
| | - Robert J. Capon
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (Z.G.K.); (R.J.C.)
| | - Istvan Toth
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (C.D.); (W.M.H.); (J.Y.); (X.W.); (L.Z.); (I.T.)
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (Z.G.K.); (R.J.C.)
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Rachel J. Stephenson
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (C.D.); (W.M.H.); (J.Y.); (X.W.); (L.Z.); (I.T.)
- Correspondence:
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