Investigation of the localization, transport and vaccine
potential of group A streptococcal cell surface protein
Summary:
Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus; GAS)
is a bacterium that causes human skin and throat infections as well
as highly invasive diseases including necrotising fasciitis. Additionally,
serious sequeale, including rheumatic fever and acute glomerulonephritis,
may result following repeated infection. We have recently examined
the GAS cell wall and identified 23 proteins that are surface exposed,
20 of which are novel. We hypothesise that a number of these surface
exposed proteins represent candidate vaccine antigens capable of conferring
protective immunity. We therefore propose to examine these surface
proteins as components of experimental vaccines against GAS.
