Streptococcus pyogenes gives rise to Group A Streptococcal (GAS) infection. Our organization specializes as a pioneer in development of therapies and vaccines against Streptococcus gas and therapy against this multifaceted organism which keeps changing over time.
Overview of Group A Streptococcal Infection
Streptococcus pyogenes, or Group A Streptococcus (GAS), is a type of Gram-positive bacterial pathogen that affects a large array of humans. Such infections vary from a mild infection of strep throat and impetigo to more severe, life threatening invasive infections like necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. In addition, GAS is also a major contributing factor to acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart conditions especially in developing countries.
Fig. 1 Virulence factors of Group A Streptococcus (GAS). (Castro S. A., et al., 2021)
Vaccine Development for Group A Streptococcal Infection
Recent breakthroughs comprise the detection of conserved antigenic proteins by genomic studies which indicate the existence of over 99% of global GAS isolates that would serve as vaccine targets. In addition, multivalent M protein based vaccines and non M protein based candidates including streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin (Spe), fibronectin binding proteins (FBI) among others, are in different stages of development.
Table 1 List of GAS vaccine candidates. (Castro S. A., et al., 2021)
| Vaccine Candidates |
Description |
Status |
| 26-valent vaccine (StreptAvax) |
Comprised four recombinant proteins containing N-terminal peptides from 26 M proteins |
Phase II |
| 6-valent vaccine |
Comprised N-terminal M protein fragments from serotypes M1, M3, M5, M6, M19 and M24 |
Phase I |
| 30-valent vaccine (StreptAnova™) |
Comprised four recombinant proteins containing N-terminal peptides from 30 M proteins |
Phase I |
| J8 vaccine (MJ8VAX) |
Comprised a synthesized and acetylated peptide antigen (J8) from the conserved carboxyl terminus region of the M protein |
Phase I |
| Serum opacity factor (SOF) |
Anti-SOF antibodies tested against M2, M4 and M28 |
Preclinical |
| Group A carbohydrate (GAC) |
Purified GlcNAc-deficient GAC was tested for GAS survival |
Preclinical |
| C5a peptidase (ScpA) |
Major virulence factor anchored on the surface of GAS |
Preclinical |
| Pyrogenic exotoxins (Spe) |
SpeA and SpeC superantigen
Spe linked to STSS |
Preclinical |
| Chemokine cleaving protease (SpyCEP) |
SpyCEP is expressed on the GAS surface and secreted |
Preclinical |
Therapeutics Development for Group A Streptococcal Infection
The Growing Problem of Clindamycin & Macrolide Resistance In GAS Has Stressed The Importance Of New Treatments. Resistance to penicillin has not developed in GAS so far, however, this dictates the need for new approaches. Emphasis is on the search for novel antimicrobial compounds meant against GAS, such as those that can penetrate biofilms and intracellular spaces where it can evade the immune system and antibiotics.
Our team is actively engaged in the search and characterization of small molecules, antimicrobial peptides and biologics with virulence-targeting activity to supplement gas therapy. We also have an extensive range of services that enable the assessment, modification and advancement of your therapy pipeline.
Our Services
We take infection with Group A Streptococcus very seriously. Thus, we offer a wide range of vacine and therapy solutions. Our team of scientists, immunologists, and pharmacologist collaborates with our clients throughout the development process utilizing groundbreaking technologies and a vast amount of knowledge.
Infectious Disease Models
- Streptococcal Skin Infection Models
- Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome Models
- Autoimmune Sequelae Models (Glomerulonephritis/Rheumatic Fever)
- Models of Differential Host Susceptibility to GAS Infection
Our preclinical research services cover many in vitro and in vivo studies that aim to assess the safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of GAS vaccine candidates and therapeutic compounds. If you are interested in our services, please contact us, and we will be more than happy to provide further details as well as a quote specific to your needs.
References
- Castro, Sowmya Ajay, and Helge C. Dorfmueller. "A brief review on Group A Streptococcus pathogenesis and vaccine development." Royal Society open science 8.3 (2021): 201991.
- Johnson Anders F., and Christopher N. LaRock. "Antibiotic treatment, mechanisms for failure, and adjunctive therapies for infections by group A Streptococcus." Frontiers in microbiology 12 (2021): 760255.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use
only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
