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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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2
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Pereira JDJ, Ikegami RN, Kawakami JT, Garavelo SM, Reis MM, Palomino SAP, Mangini S, Moreno CR, de Barros SF, Souza AR, Higuchi MDL. Distinct Microbial Communities in Dilated Cardiomyopathy Explanted Hearts Are Associated With Different Myocardial Rejection Outcomes. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:732276. [PMID: 34912727 PMCID: PMC8668412 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.732276] [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: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM) myocardial inflammation may be associated with external triggering factors such as infectious agents. Here, we searched if moderate/severe heart transplantation rejection is related to the presence of myocardial inflammation in IDCM explanted hearts, associated with microbial communities. Method Receptor myocardial samples from 18 explanted hearts were separated into groups according to post-transplant outcome: persistent moderate rejection (PMR; n = 6), moderate rejection (MR; n = 7) that regressed after pulse therapy, and no rejection (NR; n = 5)/light intensity rejection. Inflammation was quantified through immunohistochemistry (IHC), and infectious agents were evaluated by IHC, molecular biology, in situ hybridization technique, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results NR presented lower numbers of macrophages, as well as B cells (p = 0.0001), and higher HLA class II expression (p ≤ 0.0001). PMR and MR showed higher levels of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (p = 0.003) and hepatitis B core (p = 0.0009) antigens. NR presented higher levels of parvovirus B19 (PVB19) and human herpes virus 6 (HHV6) and a positive correlation between Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) and enterovirus genes. Molecular biology demonstrated the presence of M. pneumoniae, Bb, HHV6, and PVB19 genes in all studied groups. TEM revealed structures compatible with the cited microorganisms. Conclusions This initial study investigating on infectious agents and inflammation in the IDCM explanted hearts showed that the association between M. pneumoniae and hepatitis B core was associated with a worse outcome after HT, represented by MR and PMR, suggesting that different IDCM microbial communities may be contributing to post-transplant myocardial rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaqueline de Jesus Pereira
- Instituto do Coração (InCor), Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratório de Patologia Cardíaca, Departamento de Patologia, Instituto do Coração (InCor), Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renata Nishiyama Ikegami
- Instituto do Coração (InCor), Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratório de Patologia Cardíaca, Departamento de Patologia, Instituto do Coração (InCor), Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Joyce Tiyeko Kawakami
- Instituto do Coração (InCor), Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratório de Patologia Cardíaca, Departamento de Patologia, Instituto do Coração (InCor), Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Shérrira Menezes Garavelo
- Instituto do Coração (InCor), Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratório de Patologia Cardíaca, Departamento de Patologia, Instituto do Coração (InCor), Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcia Martins Reis
- Instituto do Coração (InCor), Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratório de Patologia Cardíaca, Departamento de Patologia, Instituto do Coração (InCor), Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Suely Aparecida Pinheiro Palomino
- Instituto do Coração (InCor), Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratório de Patologia Cardíaca, Departamento de Patologia, Instituto do Coração (InCor), Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sandrigo Mangini
- Instituto do Coração (InCor), Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Camila Rodrigues Moreno
- Instituto do Coração (InCor), Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratório de Patologia Cardíaca, Departamento de Patologia, Instituto do Coração (InCor), Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Samar Freschi de Barros
- Instituto do Coração (InCor), Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Aline Rodrigues Souza
- Instituto do Coração (InCor), Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratório de Patologia Cardíaca, Departamento de Patologia, Instituto do Coração (InCor), Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria de Lourdes Higuchi
- Instituto do Coração (InCor), Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratório de Patologia Cardíaca, Departamento de Patologia, Instituto do Coração (InCor), Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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3
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Azuar A, Shibu MA, Adilbish N, Marasini N, Hung H, Yang J, Luo Y, Khalil ZG, Capon RJ, Hussein WM, Toth I, Skwarczynski M. Poly(hydrophobic amino acid) Conjugates for the Delivery of Multiepitope Vaccine against Group A Streptococcus. Bioconjug Chem 2021; 32:2307-2317. [PMID: 34379392 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.1c00333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Peptide-based vaccines are composed of small, defined, antigenic peptide epitopes. They are designed to induce well-controlled immune responses. Multiple epitopes are often employed in these vaccines to cover strain variability of a pathogen. However, peptide epitopes cannot stimulate adequate immune responses on their own and require an adjuvant (immune stimulant) and/or delivery system. Here, we designed and synthesized a multiepitope vaccine candidate against Group A Streptococcus (GAS) composed of several B-cell epitopes (J8, PL1, and 88/30) derived from GAS M-protein, universal PADRE T-helper cell epitope, and a polyleucine self-adjuvanting unit. The vaccine components were conjugated together (using mercapto-maleimide and azide-alkyne Huisgen cycloaddition reactions) or delivered as a mixture. The conjugated multiepitope vaccine candidate self-assembled into small nanoparticles and chain-like aggregated nanoparticles (CLANs) that were able to induce the production of J8-, PL1-, and 88/30-specific antibodies in mice. The multiepitope conjugate and the physical mixture of conjugates bearing the individual epitopes produced similar nanoparticles and induced comparable immune responses. Hence, simple physical mixing can replace complex chemical conjugation to produce multiepitope nanoparticles with equivalent morphology and immunological efficacy. This greatly simplifies vaccine production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armira Azuar
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Mohini A Shibu
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Nomin Adilbish
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Nirmal Marasini
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Hong Hung
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Jieru Yang
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Yacheng Luo
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Zeinab G Khalil
- Institute of Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Robert J Capon
- Institute of Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Waleed M Hussein
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Istvan Toth
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia.,Institute of Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia.,School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Mariusz Skwarczynski
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
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4
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Wang G, Zhao J, Zhao Y, Wang S, Feng S, Gu G. Immunogenicity Assessment of Different Segments and Domains of Group a Streptococcal C5a Peptidase and Their Application Potential as Carrier Protein for Glycoconjugate Vaccine Development. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9020139. [PMID: 33572233 PMCID: PMC7915350 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9020139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Group A streptococcal C5a peptidase (ScpA) is a highly conserved surface virulence factor present on group A streptococcus (GAS) cell surfaces. It has attracted much more attention as a promising antigenic target for GAS vaccine development due to its high antigenicity to stimulate specific and immunoprotective antibodies. In this study, a series of segments of ScpA were rationally designed according to the functional domains described in its crystal structure, efficiently prepared and immunologically evaluated so as to assess their potential as antigens for the development of subunit vaccines. Immunological studies revealed that Fn, Fn2, and rsScpA193 proteins were promising antigen candidates worthy for further exploration. In addition, the potential of Fn and Fn2 as carrier proteins to formulate effective glycoconjugate vaccine was also investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Guofeng Gu
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-532-5863-1408
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5
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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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6
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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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7
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Abstract
Streptococcal pharyngitis (or strep throat) is a common childhood disease affecting millions of children each year, but it is one of the only childhood diseases for which a vaccine does not exist. While for decades the development of a vaccine has been the center of attention in many laboratories worldwide, with some successes, no corporate development has yet to be initiated. The reason for this probably lies in our inability to conclusively identify the streptococcal molecule or molecules responsible for the heart cross-reactive antibodies observed in the serum of rheumatic fever patients. Without this specific knowledge, any streptococcal vaccine antigen is suspect and thus not the target for a billion-dollar investment, despite the fact that the exact role of cross-reactive antibodies in rheumatic fever is still questionable. This article will describe the development of several approaches to protect against Streptococcus pyogenes infections over the past several decades.
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8
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Cannon JW, Jack S, Wu Y, Zhang J, Baker MG, Geelhoed E, Fraser J, Carapetis JR. An economic case for a vaccine to prevent group A streptococcus skin infections. Vaccine 2018; 36:6968-6978. [PMID: 30340879 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2018] [Revised: 07/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Group A streptococcus (GAS) causes an exceptionally diverse range of diseases, raising questions about the optimal product characteristics of a commercially viable vaccine. The objectives of this study were to (1) estimate the current health and economic burdens caused by 24 diseases attributable to GAS each year in Australia and (2) use these estimates to explore the value of a GAS vaccine for different clinical indications, age schedules, and population groups. METHODS For objective 1, we estimated the population heath and economic burdens by synthesising data from administrative databases, nationally representative surveys, literature reviews, public reimbursement schedules, and expert opinion. For objective 2, we modelled the prospective lifetime burden of GAS for all infants from birth, for children from 5 years of age, and for adults from 65 years of age. A vaccine was assumed to reduce each GAS disease by 70% for a period of 10 years, and the difference in outcomes between vaccinated and non-vaccinated cohorts were used to calculate the cost-effective value of vaccination. RESULTS The annual health and economic burdens of GAS diseases totalled 23,528 disability-adjusted life years and AU$185.1 million in healthcare costs respectively; approximately half of each measure was due to cellulitis, followed by other skin infections and throat infections. Reducing the incidence of throat infections, skin infections, and cellulitis in non-Indigenous cohorts resulted in 30%, 33%, and 28% of the total vaccine value for an infant schedule (cost-effective vaccine price AU$260 per course); 47%, 26%, and 22% of the value for a child schedule (AU$289); and 2%, 15% and 74% for an adult schedule (AU$489). CONCLUSIONS A vaccine that prevents GAS cellulitis and other skin infections, in addition to throat infections, would maximise its value and commercial viability, with a cost-effective price in line with other recently-licensed and funded vaccines in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey W Cannon
- Wesfarmers Centre for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Susan Jack
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Yue Wu
- Wesfarmers Centre for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Jane Zhang
- Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Michael G Baker
- Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Elizabeth Geelhoed
- School of Population and Global Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - John Fraser
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jonathan R Carapetis
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, and Perth Children's Hospital, 15 Hospital Avenue, Nedlands, Western Australia 6009, Australia.
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9
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Abstract
Acute rheumatic fever is caused by an autoimmune response to throat infection with Streptococcus pyogenes. Cardiac involvement during acute rheumatic fever can result in rheumatic heart disease, which can cause heart failure and premature mortality. Poverty and household overcrowding are associated with an increased prevalence of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease, both of which remain a public health problem in many low-income countries. Control efforts are hampered by the scarcity of accurate data on disease burden, and effective approaches to diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. The diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever is entirely clinical, without any laboratory gold standard, and no treatments have been shown to reduce progression to rheumatic heart disease. Prevention mainly relies on the prompt recognition and treatment of streptococcal pharyngitis, and avoidance of recurrent infection using long-term antibiotics. But evidence for the effectiveness of either approach is not strong. High-quality research is urgently needed to guide efforts to reduce acute rheumatic fever incidence and prevent progression to rheumatic heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganesan Karthikeyan
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Sciences Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
| | - Luiza Guilherme
- Heart Institute (InCor), University of São Paulo, Institute for Investigation in Immunology, National Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo, Brazil
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10
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Ozberk V, Pandey M, Good MF. Contribution of cryptic epitopes in designing a group A streptococcal vaccine. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2018; 14:2034-2052. [PMID: 29873591 PMCID: PMC6150013 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2018.1462427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A successful vaccine needs to target multiple strains of an organism. Streptococcus pyogenes is an organism that utilizes antigenic strain variation as a successful defence mechanism to circumvent the host immune response. Despite numerous efforts, there is currently no vaccine available for this organism. Here we review and discuss the significant obstacles to vaccine development, with a focus on how cryptic epitopes may provide a strategy to circumvent the obstacles of antigenic variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Ozberk
- a Griffith University, Institute for Glycomics , Gold Coast Campus, Queensland , Australia
| | - Manisha Pandey
- a Griffith University, Institute for Glycomics , Gold Coast Campus, Queensland , Australia
| | - Michael F Good
- a Griffith University, Institute for Glycomics , Gold Coast Campus, Queensland , Australia
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11
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Raynes JM, Young PG, Proft T, Williamson DA, Baker EN, Moreland NJ. Protein adhesins as vaccine antigens for Group A Streptococcus. Pathog Dis 2018; 76:4919728. [DOI: 10.1093/femspd/fty016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- J M Raynes
- School of Medical Sciences, The University of Auckland, 85 Park Road, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland, 3A Symonds Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - P G Young
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland, 3A Symonds Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, 5 Symonds Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - T Proft
- School of Medical Sciences, The University of Auckland, 85 Park Road, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland, 3A Symonds Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - D A Williamson
- Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory, Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - E N Baker
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland, 3A Symonds Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, 5 Symonds Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - N J Moreland
- School of Medical Sciences, The University of Auckland, 85 Park Road, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland, 3A Symonds Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
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12
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Li H, Wang S, Zhao Y, Chen Z, Gu G, Guo Z. Mutagenesis and immunological evaluation of group A streptococcal C5a peptidase as an antigen for vaccine development and as a carrier protein for glycoconjugate vaccine design. RSC Adv 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c7ra07923k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A non-enzymatic recombinant ScpA mutant (H193A) was prepared and investigated to probe its application potential in the development of GAS vaccines and as a carrier protein of glycoconjugate vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- National Glycoengineering Research Center
- School of Life Science
- Shandong University
- China
| | - Subo Wang
- National Glycoengineering Research Center
- School of Life Science
- Shandong University
- China
| | - Yisheng Zhao
- National Glycoengineering Research Center
- School of Life Science
- Shandong University
- China
| | - Zonggang Chen
- National Glycoengineering Research Center
- School of Life Science
- Shandong University
- China
| | - Guofeng Gu
- National Glycoengineering Research Center
- School of Life Science
- Shandong University
- China
| | - Zhongwu Guo
- National Glycoengineering Research Center
- School of Life Science
- Shandong University
- China
- Department of Chemistry
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13
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Status of research and development of vaccines for Streptococcus pyogenes. Vaccine 2016; 34:2953-2958. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2016.03.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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14
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Correlates of Protection for M Protein-Based Vaccines against Group A Streptococcus. J Immunol Res 2015; 2015:167089. [PMID: 26101780 PMCID: PMC4458553 DOI: 10.1155/2015/167089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Revised: 04/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Group A streptococcus (GAS) is known to cause a broad spectrum of illness, from pharyngitis and impetigo, to autoimmune sequelae such as rheumatic heart disease, and invasive diseases. It is a significant cause of infectious disease morbidity and mortality worldwide, but no efficacious vaccine is currently available. Progress in GAS vaccine development has been hindered by a number of obstacles, including a lack of standardization in immunoassays and the need to define human correlates of protection. In this review, we have examined the current immunoassays used in both GAS and other organisms, and explored the various challenges in their implementation in order to propose potential future directions to identify a correlate of protection and facilitate the development of M protein-based vaccines, which are currently the main GAS vaccine candidates.
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15
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González Aznar E, Romeu B, Lastre M, Zayas C, Cuello M, Cabrera O, Valdez Y, Fariñas M, Pérez O. Mucosal and systemic immune responses induced by a single time vaccination strategy in mice. Can J Microbiol 2015; 61:531-8. [PMID: 26140382 DOI: 10.1139/cjm-2015-0063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Vaccination is considered by the World Health Organization as the most cost-effective strategy for controlling infectious diseases. In spite of great successes with vaccines, many infectious diseases are still leading killers, because of the inadequate coverage of many vaccines. Several factors have been responsible: number of doses, high vaccine reactogenicity, vaccine costs, vaccination policy, among others. Contradictorily, few vaccines are of single dose and even less of mucosal administration. However, more common infections occur via mucosa, where secretory immunoglobulin A plays an essential role. As an alternative, we proposed a novel protocol of vaccination called Single Time Vaccination Strategy (SinTimVaS) by immunizing 2 priming doses at the same time: one by mucosal route and the other by parenteral route. Here, the mucosal and systemic responses induced by Finlay adjuvants (AF Proteoliposome 1 and AF Cochleate 1) implementing SinTimVaS in BALB/c mice were evaluated. One intranasal dose of AF Cochleate 1 and an intramuscular dose of AF Proteoliposome 1 adsorbed onto aluminum hydroxide, with bovine serum albumin or tetanus toxoid as model antigens, administrated at the same time, induced potent specific mucosal and systemic immune responses. Also, we demonstrated that SinTimVaS using other mucosal routes like oral and sublingual, in combination with the subcutaneous route elicits immune responses. SinTimVaS, as a new immunization strategy, could increase vaccination coverage and reduce time-cost vaccines campaigns, adding the benefits of immune response in mucosa.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Belkis Romeu
- a Immunology Department, Finlay Institute, P.O. Box 16017, Havana, Cuba.,b Permanent Mission of Cuba, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Caridad Zayas
- a Immunology Department, Finlay Institute, P.O. Box 16017, Havana, Cuba
| | - Maribel Cuello
- a Immunology Department, Finlay Institute, P.O. Box 16017, Havana, Cuba
| | - Osmir Cabrera
- a Immunology Department, Finlay Institute, P.O. Box 16017, Havana, Cuba
| | - Yolanda Valdez
- a Immunology Department, Finlay Institute, P.O. Box 16017, Havana, Cuba.,d Animal Models Direction, Finlay Institute, P.O. Box 16017, Havana, Cuba
| | - Mildrey Fariñas
- a Immunology Department, Finlay Institute, P.O. Box 16017, Havana, Cuba.,d Animal Models Direction, Finlay Institute, P.O. Box 16017, Havana, Cuba
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Wang L, Tonggu L. Membrane protein reconstitution for functional and structural studies. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2015; 58:66-74. [PMID: 25576454 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-014-4769-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2014] [Accepted: 10/27/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Membrane proteins are involved in various critical biological processes, and studying membrane proteins represents a major challenge in protein biochemistry. As shown by both structural and functional studies, the membrane environment plays an essential role for membrane proteins. In vitro studies are reliant on the successful reconstitution of membrane proteins. This review describes the interaction between detergents and lipids that aids the understanding of the reconstitution processes. Then the techniques of detergent removal and a few useful techniques to refine the formed proteoliposomes are reviewed. Finally the applications of reconstitution techniques to study membrane proteins involved in Ca(2+) signaling are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- LiGuo Wang
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 98195, USA,
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Gupta VK, Sekhar S, Dhanda V, Toor D, Kumar R, Chakraborti A. Immune response against M protein-conserved region peptides from prevalent group A Streptococcus in a North Indian population. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2014; 49:352-8. [PMID: 25087198 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2014.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2013] [Revised: 05/05/2014] [Accepted: 05/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Group A streptococci (GAS) cause infections with a high prevalence in most developing countries. A GAS vaccine under trial that is based on the amino-terminus of the M protein provides type-specific immunity, and hence seems ineffective in India because of heterogeneous emm types. However, the conserved C-terminal region of the M protein protects against multiple serotypes. In this paper, the immune response generated against the conserved C-repeat region of the M protein was checked in an Indian population to establish their vaccine candidature. METHODS When screened for GAS, patients with pharyngitis, rheumatic fever/rheumatic heart disease (RF/RHD), and invasive disease showed heterogeneous emm types, out of which five prevalent types (1-2, 11, 49, 75 and 112) were selected for the study. The C-terminal region of their M proteins showed conserved C1-, C2-, and C3-repeats. The C1-repeat was more diverse and had two different J14-like sequences. Peptides to these C-terminal regions (J14.1 and J14-R6) were designed. Antibodies against these peptides were analyzed using the sera of 130 GAS-infected volunteers. RESULTS Serum antibodies were significantly higher in patients with acute rheumatic fever, RHD, and invasive disease than in patients with pharyngitis or the healthy controls. The serum antibodies to these peptides was higher in teenagers and adults than in children. CONCLUSION Results showed an association between streptococcal disease progression and the age-related development of immunity to the conserved regions. Hence, these peptides could be considered protective in impeding streptococcal infections worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varun K Gupta
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology, Chandigarh, India
| | - Sasank Sekhar
- School of Public Health, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Vanita Dhanda
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology, Chandigarh, India
| | - Devinder Toor
- School of Public Health, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Rajesh Kumar
- School of Public Health, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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Pérez O, Romeu B, Cabrera O, González E, Batista-Duharte A, Labrada A, Pérez R, Reyes LM, Ramírez W, Sifontes S, Fernández N, Lastre M. Adjuvants are Key Factors for the Development of Future Vaccines: Lessons from the Finlay Adjuvant Platform. Front Immunol 2013; 4:407. [PMID: 24348475 PMCID: PMC3845353 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2013.00407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2013] [Accepted: 11/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of effective vaccines against neglected diseases, especially those associated with poverty and social deprivation, is urgently needed. Modern vaccine technologies and a better understanding of the immune response have provided scientists with the tools for rational and safer design of subunit vaccines. Often, however, subunit vaccines do not elicit strong immune responses, highlighting the need to incorporate better adjuvants; this step therefore becomes a key factor for vaccine development. In this review we outline some key features of modern vaccinology that are linked with the development of better adjuvants. In line with the increased desire to obtain novel adjuvants for future vaccines, the Finlay Adjuvant Platform offers a novel approach for the development of new and effective adjuvants. The Finlay Adjuvants (AFs), AFPL (proteoliposome), and AFCo (cochleate), were initially designed for parenteral and mucosal applications, and constitute potent adjuvants for the induction of Th1 responses against several antigens. This review summarizes the status of the Finlay technology in producing promising adjuvants for unsolved-vaccine diseases including mucosal approaches and therapeutic vaccines. Ideas related to adjuvant classification, adjuvant selection, and their possible influence on innate recognition via multiple toll-like receptors are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Pérez
- Immunology Department, Research and Development Vice-presidency, Finlay Institute , Havana , Cuba ; Havana Medical Sciences University , Havana , Cuba
| | - Belkis Romeu
- Immunology Department, Research and Development Vice-presidency, Finlay Institute , Havana , Cuba
| | - Osmir Cabrera
- Immunology Department, Research and Development Vice-presidency, Finlay Institute , Havana , Cuba
| | - Elizabeth González
- Immunology Department, Research and Development Vice-presidency, Finlay Institute , Havana , Cuba
| | - Alexander Batista-Duharte
- Toxicology and Biomedicine Center (TOXIMED), Medical Sciences University Santiago de Cuba , Santiago de Cuba , Cuba
| | - Alexis Labrada
- Centro Nacional de Biopreparados (BioCen) , Mayabeque , Cuba
| | - Rocmira Pérez
- Immunology Department, Research and Development Vice-presidency, Finlay Institute , Havana , Cuba
| | - Laura M Reyes
- Immunology Department, Research and Development Vice-presidency, Finlay Institute , Havana , Cuba
| | - Wendy Ramírez
- Centro Nacional de Biopreparados (BioCen) , Mayabeque , Cuba
| | - Sergio Sifontes
- Centro de Bioactivos Químicos (CBQ), Universidad Central Marta Abreu de Las Villas , Villa Clara , Cuba
| | | | - Miriam Lastre
- Immunology Department, Research and Development Vice-presidency, Finlay Institute , Havana , Cuba
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Guilherme L, Postol E, Ferreira FM, DeMarchi LMF, Kalil J. StreptInCor: a model of anti-Streptococcus pyogenes vaccine reviewed. AUTO- IMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS 2013; 4:81-5. [PMID: 26000146 PMCID: PMC4389027 DOI: 10.1007/s13317-013-0053-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2012] [Accepted: 07/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Streptococcus pyogenes infections remain a health problem in multiple countries because of poststreptococcal sequelae, such as rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease. The epidemiological growth of streptococcal diseases in undeveloped and developing countries has encouraged many groups to study vaccine candidates for preventing group A streptococcus infections. We developed a vaccine epitope (StreptInCor) composed of 55 amino acid residues of the C-terminal portion of the M protein that encompasses both T and B cell protective epitopes. Using human blood samples, we showed that the StreptInCor epitope is recognized by individuals bearing different HLA class II molecules and could be considered a universal vaccine epitope. In addition, the StreptInCor molecular structure was solved by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and a series of structural stability experiments was performed to elucidate its folding/unfolding mechanism. Using BALB-c and HLA class II transgenic mice, we evaluated the immune response over an extended period and found that StreptInCor was able to induce a robust immune response in both models. No cross-reaction was observed against cardiac proteins. The safety of the vaccine epitope was evaluated by analyzing histopathology, and no autoimmune or pathological reactions were observed in the heart or other organs. Vaccinated BALB/c mice challenged with a virulent strain of S. pyogenes had 100 % survival over 30 days. Taking all results into account, StreptInCor could be a safe and effective vaccine against streptococcus-induced disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiza Guilherme
- Heart Institute (InCor), School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Institute for Immunology Investigation, National Institute of Science and Technology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratório de Imunologia, Instituto do Coração (HC-FMUSP), Av. Dr. Eneas de Carvalho Aguiar, 44, São Paulo, SP 05403–903 Brazil
| | - Edilberto Postol
- Heart Institute (InCor), School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Institute for Immunology Investigation, National Institute of Science and Technology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Frederico Moraes Ferreira
- Heart Institute (InCor), School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Institute for Immunology Investigation, National Institute of Science and Technology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lea M. F. DeMarchi
- Heart Institute (InCor), School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jorge Kalil
- Heart Institute (InCor), School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Institute for Immunology Investigation, National Institute of Science and Technology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Clinical Immunology and Allergy Division, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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20
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Guilherme L, Kalil J. Rheumatic Heart Disease: Molecules Involved in Valve Tissue Inflammation Leading to the Autoimmune Process and Anti-S. pyogenes Vaccine. Front Immunol 2013; 4:352. [PMID: 24198818 PMCID: PMC3812567 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2013.00352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2013] [Accepted: 10/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The major events leading to both rheumatic fever (RF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) are reviewed. Several genes are involved in the development of RF and RHD. The inflammatory process that results from S. pyogenes infection involves the activation of several molecules such as VCAM and ICAM, which play a role in the migration of leukocytes to the heart, particularly to the valves. Specific chemokines, such as CXCL3/MIP1α as well as CCL1/I-309 and CXCL9/Mig, attract T cells to the myocardium and valves, respectively. The autoimmune reactions are mediated by both the B- and T-cell responses that begin at the periphery, followed by the migration of T cell clones to the heart and the infiltration of heart lesions in RHD patients. These cells recognize streptococcal antigens and human-tissue proteins. Molecular mimicry between streptococcal M protein and human proteins has been proposed as the triggering factor leading to autoimmunity in RF and RHD. The production of cytokines from peripheral and heart-infiltrating mononuclear cells suggests that T helper 1 and Th17 cytokines are the mediators of RHD heart lesions. The low numbers of IL-4 producing cells in the valvular tissue might contribute to the maintenance and progression of the valve lesions. The identification of a vaccine epitope opens a perspective of development of an effective and safe vaccine to prevent S. pyogenes infections, consequently RF and RHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiza Guilherme
- Heart Institute (InCor), School of Medicine, University of São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil ; Immunology Investigation Institute, National Institute for Science and Technology, University of São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil
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De Amicis KM, Freschi de Barros S, Alencar RE, Postól E, Martins CDO, Arcuri HA, Goulart C, Kalil J, Guilherme L. Analysis of the coverage capacity of the StreptInCor candidate vaccine against Streptococcus pyogenes. Vaccine 2013; 32:4104-10. [PMID: 23994376 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2013.08.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2013] [Revised: 08/02/2013] [Accepted: 08/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Streptococcus pyogenes is responsible for infections as pharyngitis, sepsis, necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. The M protein is the major bacterial antigen and consists of both polymorphic N-terminal portion and a conserved region. In the present study, we analyzed the in vitro ability of StreptInCor a C-terminal candidate vaccine against S. pyogenes to induce antibodies to neutralize/opsonize the most common S. pyogenes strains in Sao Paulo by examining the recognition by sera from StreptInCor immunized mice. We also evaluated the presence of cross-reactive antibodies against human heart valve tissue. Anti-StreptInCor antibodies were able to neutralize/opsonize at least 5 strains, showing that immunization with StreptInCor is effective against several S. pyogenes strains and can prevent infection and subsequent sequelae without causing autoimmune reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine M De Amicis
- Heart Institute (InCor), School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Immunology Investigation Institute, National Institute for Science and Technology, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Samar Freschi de Barros
- Heart Institute (InCor), School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Immunology Investigation Institute, National Institute for Science and Technology, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Raquel E Alencar
- Heart Institute (InCor), School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Immunology Investigation Institute, National Institute for Science and Technology, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Edilberto Postól
- Heart Institute (InCor), School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Immunology Investigation Institute, National Institute for Science and Technology, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carlo de Oliveira Martins
- Heart Institute (InCor), School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Immunology Investigation Institute, National Institute for Science and Technology, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Helen Andrade Arcuri
- Heart Institute (InCor), School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Immunology Investigation Institute, National Institute for Science and Technology, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Jorge Kalil
- Heart Institute (InCor), School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Immunology Investigation Institute, National Institute for Science and Technology, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Clinical Immunology and Allergy Division, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luiza Guilherme
- Heart Institute (InCor), School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Immunology Investigation Institute, National Institute for Science and Technology, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
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Postol E, Alencar R, Higa FT, Freschi de Barros S, Demarchi LMF, Kalil J, Guilherme L. StreptInCor: a candidate vaccine epitope against S. pyogenes infections induces protection in outbred mice. PLoS One 2013; 8:e60969. [PMID: 23593359 PMCID: PMC3620221 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0060969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2013] [Accepted: 03/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Infection with Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes) can result in several diseases, particularly in children. S. pyogenes M protein is the major virulence factor, and certain regions of its N-terminus can trigger autoimmune sequelae such as rheumatic fever in susceptible individuals with untreated group A streptococcal pharyngitis. In a previous study, we utilized a large panel of human peripheral blood cells to define the C-terminal protective epitope StreptInCor (medical identity), which does not induce autoimmune reactions. We recently confirmed the results in HLA-transgenic mice. In the present study, we extended the experimental assays to outbred animals (Swiss mice). Herein, we demonstrate high titers of StreptInCor-specific antibodies, as well as appropriate T-cell immune responses. No cross-reaction to cardiac myosin was detected. Additionally, immunized Swiss mice exhibited 87% survival one month after challenge with S. pyogenes. In conclusion, the data presented herein reinforce previous results in humans and animals and further emphasize that StreptInCor could be an effective and safe vaccine for the prevention of S. pyogenes infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edilberto Postol
- Heart Institute, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Institute for Immunology Investigation, National Institute of Science and Technology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Raquel Alencar
- Heart Institute, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Institute for Immunology Investigation, National Institute of Science and Technology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fabio T. Higa
- Heart Institute, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Institute for Immunology Investigation, National Institute of Science and Technology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Samar Freschi de Barros
- Heart Institute, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Institute for Immunology Investigation, National Institute of Science and Technology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lea M. F. Demarchi
- Heart Institute, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jorge Kalil
- Heart Institute, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Institute for Immunology Investigation, National Institute of Science and Technology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Clinical Immunology and Allergy Division, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luiza Guilherme
- Heart Institute, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Institute for Immunology Investigation, National Institute of Science and Technology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Dale JB, Fischetti VA, Carapetis JR, Steer AC, Sow S, Kumar R, Mayosi BM, Rubin FA, Mulholland K, Hombach JM, Schödel F, Henao-Restrepo AM. Group A streptococcal vaccines: Paving a path for accelerated development. Vaccine 2013; 31 Suppl 2:B216-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2012.09.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2012] [Revised: 09/10/2012] [Accepted: 09/18/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Prediction of antimicrobial activity of imidazole derivatives by artificial neural networks. Open Med (Wars) 2013. [DOI: 10.2478/s11536-012-0052-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe main goal of our study is the analysis of data obtained from molecular modeling for a series of imidazole derivatives that possess strong antifungal activity. The research was designed to use artificial neural network (ANN) analysis to determine quantitative relationships between the structural parameters and anti-Streptococcus pyogenes activity of a series of imidazole derivatives. ANN in association with quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR) represents a promising tool in the search for drug candidates among the practically unlimited number of possible derivatives. In this work, a series of 286 imidazole derivatives presented as cationic three-dimensional structures was used. The activity was expressed as a logarithm of the reciprocal of the minimal inhibitory concentrations, log 1/MIC. Multilayer perceptron ANN was used for predictions of antimicrobial potency of new imidazole derivatives on the basis of their structural descriptors. The obtained correlation coefficient equaled 0.9461 for the learning set, 0.9060 for the validation set and 0.8824 for the testing set of imidazole derivatives. Hence, satisfactory and practically useful predictions of anti-Streptococcus pyogenes activity for a series of imidazole derivatives was obtained, supporting the future successful interpretation of QSAR analysis for those compounds.
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Guilherme L, Ferreira FM, Köhler KF, Postol E, Kalil J. A vaccine against Streptococcus pyogenes: the potential to prevent rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease. Am J Cardiovasc Drugs 2013; 13:1-4. [PMID: 23355360 DOI: 10.1007/s40256-013-0005-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Streptococcus pyogenes causes severe, invasive infections such as the sequelae associated with acute rheumatic fever, rheumatic heart disease, acute glomerulonephritis, uncomplicated pharyngitis, and pyoderma. Efforts to produce a vaccine against S. pyogenes began several decades ago, and different models have been proposed. We have developed a vaccine candidate peptide, StreptInCor, comprising 55 amino acid residues of the C-terminal portion of the M protein and encompassing both the T- and B-cell protective epitopes. The present article summarizes data from the previous 5 years during which we tested the immunogenicity and safety of StreptInCor in different animal models. We showed that StreptInCor overlapping peptides induced cellular and humoral immune responses of individuals bearing different HLA class II molecules. These results are consistent with peptides that have a universal vaccine epitope. The tridimensional molecular structure of StreptInCor was elucidated by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, which showed that its structure is composed of two microdomains linked by an 18-residue α-helix. Additionally, we comprehensively evaluated the structural stability of the StreptInCor peptide in different physicochemical conditions using circular dichroism. Additional experiments were performed with inbred, outbred, and HLA class II transgenic mice. Analysis of several organs of these mice showed neither deleterious nor autoimmune reactions even after a long period of vaccination, indicating that the StreptInCor candidate peptide could be considered as an immunogenic and safe vaccine.
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Caro-Aguilar I, Ottinger E, Hepler RW, Nahas DD, Wu C, Good MF, Batzloff M, Joyce JG, Heinrichs JH, Skinner JM. Immunogenicity in mice and non-human primates of the Group A Streptococcal J8 peptide vaccine candidate conjugated to CRM197. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2012; 9:488-96. [PMID: 23249976 DOI: 10.4161/hv.23224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccine development for Group A streptococcal (GAS) infection has been extensively focused on the N-terminal hypervariable or the C-terminal conserved regions of the M protein, a major virulence factor of GAS. We evaluated the immunogenicity and functional activity of the conserved C-terminal peptide vaccine candidate, J8, conjugated to CRM197, in two mouse strains: C3H (H2(k)) and Balb/c (H2(d)), and in rhesus macaques. Mice were immunized with J8-CRM197 formulated with Amorphous Aluminum Hydroxyphosphate Sulfate Adjuvant (AAHSA), and non-human primates were immunized with J8-CRM197 formulated with AAHSA, ISCOMATRIX (TM) adjuvant, or AAHSA/ISCOMATRIX adjuvant. J8-CRM197 was immunogenic in mice from both H2(k) and H2(d) backgrounds, and the antibodies generated bound to the surface of four different GAS serotypes and had functional bacterial opsonic activity. Mice immunized with J8-CRM197/AAHSA demonstrated varying degrees of protection from lethal challenge. We also demonstrated that J8-CRM197 is immunogenic in non-human primates. Our data confirm the utility of J8 as a potential GAS vaccine candidate and demonstrate that CRM197 is an acceptable protein carrier for this peptide.
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Vaccination Against Rheumatic Heart Disease: A Review of Current Research Strategies and Challenges. Curr Infect Dis Rep 2012; 14:381-90. [DOI: 10.1007/s11908-012-0263-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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Zaman M, Abdel-Aal ABM, Fujita Y, Phillipps KSM, Batzloff MR, Good MF, Toth I. Immunological evaluation of lipopeptide group A streptococcus (GAS) vaccine: structure-activity relationship. PLoS One 2012; 7:e30146. [PMID: 22253911 PMCID: PMC3257266 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0030146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2011] [Accepted: 12/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus, GAS) is a Gram-positive bacterial pathogen responsible for a wide variety of diseases. To date, GAS vaccine development has focused primarily on the M-protein. The M-protein is highly variable at the amino (N)-terminus (determining serotype) but is conserved at the carboxyl (C)-terminus. Previously a 29 amino acid peptide (named J14) from the conserved region of the M-protein was identified as a potential vaccine candidate. J14 was capable of eliciting protective antibodies that recognized many GAS serotypes when co-administered with immuno-stimulants. This minimal epitope however showed no immunogenicity when administered alone. In an attempt overcome this immunological non-responsiveness, we developed a self-adjuvanting vaccine candidate composed of three components: the B-cell epitope (J14), a universal helper T-cell epitope (P25) and a lipid moiety consisting of lipoamino acids (Laas) which target Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2). Immunological evaluation in B10.BR (H-2k) mice demonstrated that the epitope attachment to the point of lipid moiety, and the length of the Laa alkyl chain have a profound effect on vaccine immunogenicity after intranasal administration. It was demonstrated that a vaccine featuring C-terminal lipid moiety containing alkyl chains of 16 carbons, with P25 located at the N-terminus, and J14 attached to the side chain of a central lysine residue was capable of inducing optimal antibody response. These findings have considerable relevance to the development of a broad spectrum J14-based GAS vaccine and in particular provided a rational basis for peptide vaccine design based on this self-adjuvanting lipopeptide technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehfuz Zaman
- The University of Queensland, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences (SCMB), St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Abu-Baker M. Abdel-Aal
- The University of Queensland, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences (SCMB), St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Yoshio Fujita
- The University of Queensland, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences (SCMB), St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Karen S. M. Phillipps
- The University of Queensland, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences (SCMB), St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michael R. Batzloff
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michael F. Good
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Istvan Toth
- The University of Queensland, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences (SCMB), St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail:
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29
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Henningham A, Gillen CM, Walker MJ. Group a streptococcal vaccine candidates: potential for the development of a human vaccine. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2012; 368:207-42. [PMID: 23250780 DOI: 10.1007/82_2012_284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Currently there is no commercial Group A Streptococcus (GAS; S. pyogenes) vaccine available. The development of safe GAS vaccines is challenging, researchers are confronted with obstacles such as the occurrence of many unique serotypes (there are greater than 150 M types), antigenic variation within the same serotype, large variations in the geographical distribution of serotypes, and the production of antibodies cross-reactive with human tissue which can lead to host auto-immune disease. Cell wall anchored, cell membrane associated, secreted and anchorless proteins have all been targeted as GAS vaccine candidates. As GAS is an exclusively human pathogen, the quest for an efficacious vaccine is further complicated by the lack of an animal model which mimics human disease and can be consistently and reproducibly colonized by multiple GAS strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Henningham
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences and Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
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Abstract
Pathogenesis of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) remains incompletely understood. Several genes associated with RHD have been described; most of these are involved with immune responses. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in a number of genes affect patients with RHD compared to controls. Molecular mimicry between streptococcal antigens and human proteins, including cardiac myosin epitopes, vimentin and other intracellular proteins is central to the pathogenesis of RHD. Autoreactive T cells migrate from the peripheral blood to the heart and proliferate in the valves in response to stimulation with specific cytokines. The types of cells involved in the inflammation as well as different cytokine profiles in these patients are being investigated. High TNF alpha, interferon gamma, and low IL4 are found in the rheumatic valve suggesting an imbalance between Th1 and Th2 cytokines and probably contributing to the progressive and permanent valve damage. Animal model of ARF in the Lewis rat may further contribute towards understanding the ARF.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Guilherme
- Heart Institute (InCor), School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo; Brazil
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31
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Fighting bacterial infections—Future treatment options. Drug Resist Updat 2011; 14:125-39. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2011.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2011] [Revised: 01/31/2011] [Accepted: 01/31/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Guilherme L, Alba MP, Ferreira FM, Oshiro SE, Higa F, Patarroyo ME, Kalil J. Anti-group A streptococcal vaccine epitope: structure, stability, and its ability to interact with HLA class II molecules. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:6989-98. [PMID: 21169359 PMCID: PMC3044955 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.132118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2010] [Revised: 09/01/2010] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pyogenes infections remain a health problem in several countries due to poststreptococcal sequelae. We developed a vaccine epitope (StreptInCor) composed of 55 amino acids residues of the C-terminal portion of the M protein that encompasses both T and B cell protective epitopes. The nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) structure of the StreptInCor peptide showed that the structure was composed of two microdomains linked by an 18-residue α-helix. A chemical stability study of the StreptInCor folding/unfolding process using far-UV circular dichroism showed that the structure was chemically stable with respect to pH and the concentration of urea. The T cell epitope is located in the first microdomain and encompasses 11 out of the 18 α-helix residues, whereas the B cell epitope is in the second microdomain and showed no α-helical structure. The prediction of StreptInCor epitope binding to different HLA class II molecules was evaluated based on an analysis of the 55 residues and the theoretical possibilities for the processed peptides to fit into the P1, P4, P6, and P9 pockets in the groove of several HLA class II molecules. We observed 7 potential sites along the amino acid sequence of StreptInCor that were capable of recognizing HLA class II molecules (DRB1*, DRB3*, DRB4*, and DRB5*). StreptInCor-overlapping peptides induced cellular and humoral immune responses of individuals bearing different HLA class II molecules and could be considered as a universal vaccine epitope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiza Guilherme
- Heart Institute (InCor), University of São Paulo, São Paulo 5403-903, Brazil.
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Seckeler MD, Hoke TR. The worldwide epidemiology of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease. Clin Epidemiol 2011; 3:67-84. [PMID: 21386976 PMCID: PMC3046187 DOI: 10.2147/clep.s12977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 255] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) are significant public health concerns around the world. Despite decreasing incidence, there is still a significant disease burden, especially in developing nations. This review provides background on the history of ARF, its pathology and treatment, and the current reported worldwide incidence of ARF and prevalence of RHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Seckeler
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cardiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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Progress in the development of effective vaccines to prevent selected gram-positive bacterial infections. Am J Med Sci 2010; 340:218-25. [PMID: 20697258 DOI: 10.1097/maj.0b013e3181e939ab] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Infections caused by virulent Gram-positive bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, group B streptococci and group A streptococci, remain significant causes of morbidity and mortality despite progress in antimicrobial therapy. Despite significant advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of infection caused by these organisms, there are only limited strategies to prevent infection. In this article, we review efforts to develop safe and effective vaccines that would prevent infections caused by these 3 pathogens.
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