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Duan H, Huang W, Lv Q, Liu P, Li Q, Kong D, Sun X, Zhang X, Jiang Y, Chen S. Using Surface Immunogenic Protein as a Carrier Protein to Elicit Protective Antibody to Multiple Serotypes for Candidate Group B Streptococcal Glycan Conjugate Vaccines. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:573. [PMID: 38932301 PMCID: PMC11209137 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12060573] [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: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a life-threatening opportunistic pathogen, particularly in pregnant women, infants, and the elderly. Currently, maternal vaccination is considered the most viable long-term option for preventing GBS mother-to-infant infection, and two polysaccharide conjugate vaccines utilizing CRM197 as a carrier protein have undergone clinical phase II trials. Surface immunogenic protein (Sip), present in all identified serotypes of GBS strains so far, is a protective surface protein of GBS. In this study, the type Ia capsular polysaccharide (CPS) of GBS was utilized as a model to develop candidate antigens for a polysaccharide conjugate vaccine by coupling it with the Sip of GBS and the traditional carrier protein CRM197. Serum analysis from immunized New Zealand rabbits and CD1 mice revealed that there was no significant difference in antibody titers between the Ia-Sip group and Ia-CRM197 group; however, both were significantly higher than those observed in the Ia polysaccharide group. Opsonophagocytosis and passive immune protection results using rabbit serum indicated no significant difference between the Ia-Sip and Ia-CRM197 groups, both outperforming the Ia polysaccharide group. Furthermore, serum from the Ia-Sip group had a cross-protective effect on multiple types of GBS strains. The challenge test results in CD1 mice demonstrated that the Ia-Sip group provided complete protection against lethal doses of bacteria and also showed cross-protection against type III strain. Our study demonstrates for the first time that Ia-Sip is immunogenic and provides serotype-independent protection in glycan conjugate vaccines, which also indicates Sip may serve as an excellent carrier protein for GBS glycan conjugate vaccines and provide cross-protection against multiple GBS strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiqi Duan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Wenhua Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Qingyu Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Peng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Qian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Decong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Xuyang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Breeding and Healthy Husbandry, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin 300392, China
| | - Xinran Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Yongqiang Jiang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Shaolong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
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Goh KGK, Desai D, Thapa R, Prince D, Acharya D, Sullivan MJ, Ulett GC. An opportunistic pathogen under stress: how Group B Streptococcus responds to cytotoxic reactive species and conditions of metal ion imbalance to survive. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2024; 48:fuae009. [PMID: 38678005 PMCID: PMC11098048 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuae009] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Group B Streptococcus (GBS; also known as Streptococcus agalactiae) is an opportunistic bacterial pathogen that causes sepsis, meningitis, pneumonia, and skin and soft tissue infections in neonates and healthy or immunocompromised adults. GBS is well-adapted to survive in humans due to a plethora of virulence mechanisms that afford responses to support bacterial survival in dynamic host environments. These mechanisms and responses include counteraction of cell death from exposure to excess metal ions that can cause mismetallation and cytotoxicity, and strategies to combat molecules such as reactive oxygen and nitrogen species that are generated as part of innate host defence. Cytotoxicity from reactive molecules can stem from damage to proteins, DNA, and membrane lipids, potentially leading to bacterial cell death inside phagocytic cells or within extracellular spaces within the host. Deciphering the ways in which GBS responds to the stress of cytotoxic reactive molecules within the host will benefit the development of novel therapeutic and preventative strategies to manage the burden of GBS disease. This review summarizes knowledge of GBS carriage in humans and the mechanisms used by the bacteria to circumvent killing by these important elements of host immune defence: oxidative stress, nitrosative stress, and stress from metal ion intoxication/mismetallation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelvin G K Goh
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Parklands Drive, Southport, Gold Coast Campus, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Devika Desai
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Parklands Drive, Southport, Gold Coast Campus, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Ruby Thapa
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Parklands Drive, Southport, Gold Coast Campus, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Darren Prince
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Parklands Drive, Southport, Gold Coast Campus, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Dhruba Acharya
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Parklands Drive, Southport, Gold Coast Campus, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Matthew J Sullivan
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Parklands Drive, Southport, Gold Coast Campus, QLD 4222, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Glen C Ulett
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Parklands Drive, Southport, Gold Coast Campus, QLD 4222, Australia
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Wang J, Li W, Li N, Wang B. Immunization with Multiple Virulence Factors Provides Maternal and Neonatal Protection against Group B Streptococcus Serotypes. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1459. [PMID: 37766135 PMCID: PMC10535937 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11091459] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Group B streptococcus (GBS) commonly colonizes the vaginal tract and is a leading cause of life-threatening neonatal infections and adverse pregnancy outcomes. No effective vaccine is clinically available. Conserved bacterial virulence factors, including those of GBS, have been employed as vaccine components. We investigated serotype-independent protection against GBS by intranasal immunization with six conserved GBS virulence factors (GBSV6). GBSV6 induced systemic and vaginal antibodies and T cell responses in mice. The immunity reduced mouse mortality and vaginal colonization by various GBS serotypes and protected newborn mice of immunized dams against GBS challenge. Intranasal GBSV6 immunization also provided long-lasting protective immunity and had advantages over intramuscular GBSV6 immunization regarding restricting vaginal GBS colonization. Our findings indicate that intranasal immunization targeting multiple conserved GBS virulence factors induces serotype-independent immunity, which protects against GBS infection systemically and vaginally in dams and prevents newborn death. The study presents valuable strategies for GBS vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Beijing Varnotech Biopharm Ltd., Beijing 100176, China
| | - Wenbo Li
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Beijing Varnotech Biopharm Ltd., Beijing 100176, China
| | - Ning Li
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Beinan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
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Jamrozy D, Gopal Rao G, Feltwell T, Lamagni T, Khanna P, Efstratiou A, Parkhill J, Bentley SD. Population genetics of group B Streptococcus from maternal carriage in an ethnically diverse community in London. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1185753. [PMID: 37275158 PMCID: PMC10233156 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1185753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Maternal immunization against Group B Streptococcus (GBS) has the potential to significantly reduce the burden of neonatal GBS infections. Population genetics of GBS from maternal carriage can offer key insights into vaccine target distribution. Methods In this study we characterized the population structure of GBS isolates from maternal carriage (n = 535) in an ethnically diverse community in London, using whole genome sequencing. Results The isolates clustered into nine clonal complexes (CCs) but the majority (95%) belonged to five lineages: CC1 (26%), CC19 (26%), CC23 (20%), CC17 (13%) and CC8/10 (10%). Nine serotypes were identified, the most common were serotypes III (26%), V (21%), II (19%) and Ia (19%). Other serotypes (Ib, IV, VI, VII, IX) represented less than 10% of all isolates each. Intra-lineage serotype diversity was observed in all major CCs but was highest in CC1, which revealed nine serotypes. Nearly all isolates (99%) carried at least one of the four alpha family protein genes (alpha, alp1, alp23, and rib). All isolates were susceptible to penicillin. We found 21% and 13% of isolates to be resistant to clarithromycin and clindamycin, respectively. Prevalence of macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B (MLSB) resistance genes was 22% and they were most common in CC19 (37%) and CC1 (28%), and isolates with serotypes V (38%) and IV (32%). We identified some associations between maternal ethnicity and GBS population structure. Serotype Ib was significantly less common among the South Asian compared to Black women (S. Asian: 3/142, Black: 15/135, p = 0.03). There was also a significantly lower proportion of CC1 isolates among the White other (24/142) in comparison to Black (43/135) and S. Asian (44/142) women (p = 0.04). We found a significantly higher proportion of CC17 isolates among the White other compared to S. Asian women (White other: 32/142, S. Asian: 10/142, p = 0.004). Conclusion Our study showed high prevalence of GBS vaccine targets among isolates from pregnant women in London. However, the observed serotype diversity in CC1 and high prevalence of MLSB resistance genes in CC19 demonstrates presence of high risk lineages, which might act as a reservoir of non-vaccine strains and antimicrobial resistance determinants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Jamrozy
- Parasites and Microbes Programme, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | - Guduru Gopal Rao
- Department of Microbiology, Northwick Park Hospital, London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Theresa Feltwell
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Theresa Lamagni
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Diphtheria and Streptococcal Infections, UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Priya Khanna
- Department of Microbiology, Northwick Park Hospital, London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Androulla Efstratiou
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Diphtheria and Streptococcal Infections, UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Julian Parkhill
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen D. Bentley
- Parasites and Microbes Programme, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, United Kingdom
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Gonzalez-Miro M, Pawlowski A, Lehtonen J, Cao D, Larsson S, Darsley M, Kitson G, Fischer PB, Johansson-Lindbom B. Safety and immunogenicity of the group B streptococcus vaccine AlpN in a placebo-controlled double-blind phase 1 trial. iScience 2023; 26:106261. [PMID: 36915681 PMCID: PMC10005905 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a leading cause of life-threatening neonatal infections and subsets of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Essentially all GBS strains possess one allele of the alpha-like protein (Alp) family. A maternal GBS vaccine, consisting of the fused N-terminal domains of the Alps αC and Rib (GBS-NN), was recently demonstrated to be safe and immunogenic in healthy adult women. To enhance antibody responses to all clinically relevant Alps, a second-generation vaccine has been developed (AlpN), also containing the N-terminal domain of Alp1 and the one shared by Alp2 and Alp3. In this study, the safety and immunogenicity of AlpN is assessed in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, and parallel-group phase I study, involving 60 healthy non-pregnant women. AlpN is well tolerated and elicits similarly robust and persistent antibody responses against all four Alp-N-terminal domains, resulting in enhanced opsonophagocytic killing of all Alp serotypes covered by the vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Janne Lehtonen
- Minervax A/S, Ole Maaløes Vej 3, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Duojia Cao
- Immunology Section, Lund University, BMC D14, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sara Larsson
- Immunology Section, Lund University, BMC D14, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Geoff Kitson
- Minervax A/S, Ole Maaløes Vej 3, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Per B Fischer
- Minervax A/S, Ole Maaløes Vej 3, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Bengt Johansson-Lindbom
- Immunology Section, Lund University, BMC D14, Lund, Sweden.,Minervax A/S, Ole Maaløes Vej 3, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
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Group B Streptococcus: Virulence Factors and Pathogenic Mechanism. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10122483. [PMID: 36557736 PMCID: PMC9784991 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10122483] [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] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) or Streptococcus agalactiae is a major cause of neonatal mortality. When colonizing the lower genital tract of pregnant women, GBS may cause premature birth and stillbirth. If transmitted to the newborn, it may result in life-threatening illnesses, including sepsis, meningitis, and pneumonia. Moreover, through continuous evolution, GBS can use its original structure and unique factors to greatly improve its survival rate in the human body. This review discusses the key virulence factors that facilitate GBS invasion and colonization and their action mechanisms. A comprehensive understanding of the role of virulence factors in GBS infection is crucial to develop better treatment options and screen potential candidate molecules for the development of the vaccine.
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Collins MK, McCutcheon CR, Petroff MG. Impact of Estrogen and Progesterone on Immune Cells and Host–Pathogen Interactions in the Lower Female Reproductive Tract. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 209:1437-1449. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2200454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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