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Systemic and mucosal immunizations with fibronectin-binding protein FBP54 induce protective immune responses against
S Kawabata1, E Kunitomo, Y Terao
1Department of Oral Microbiology, Osaka University Faculty of Dentistry, Suita-Osaka 565-0871, Japan. kawabata@dent.osaka-u.ac.jp
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to examine the suitability of fibronectin-binding protein FBP54 as a putative vaccine for Streptococcus pyogenes infections. When the distribution of the fbp54 gene among the clinical isolates representing various M serotypes was tested by PCR and Southern blot assays, it was found that all of the strains possess this gene. Furthermore, a significant increase in immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody titers against FBP54 was observed in sera from patients with S. pyogenes infections compared with those from healthy volunteers (P < 0.005). Mice were immunized with FBP54 subcutaneously, orally, or nasally. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay revealed that antigen-specific IgG antibodies were induced in the sera of immunized mice, while high salivary levels of IgA antibodies were detected after oral and nasal immunizations. Mice subcutaneously or orally immunized with FBP54 survived significantly longer following the challenge with S. pyogenes than did nonimmunized mice (P < 0.001). These results indicate that FBP54 is a promising vaccine for the prevention of S. pyogenes infections.
Insights
Fibronectin-binding protein FBP54 shows promise as a vaccine against Streptococcus pyogenes. Studies found FBP54 present in all strains and capable of inducing protective immune responses in mice, improving survival rates.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Vaccine Development
Background:
- Streptococcus pyogenes is a significant human pathogen.
- There is a need for effective vaccines against S. pyogenes infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the fibronectin-binding protein FBP54 as a potential vaccine candidate for Streptococcus pyogenes.
Main Methods:
- PCR and Southern blot to detect the fbp54 gene in clinical isolates.
- ELISA to measure antibody titers (IgG and IgA) in patients and immunized mice.
- Challenge studies in mice to assess vaccine efficacy.
Main Results:
- The fbp54 gene was universally present in all tested S. pyogenes clinical isolates.
- Patients with S. pyogenes infections exhibited higher IgG antibody titers against FBP54.
- Immunization of mice with FBP54 induced antigen-specific IgG and IgA antibodies.
- Mice immunized with FBP54 showed significantly improved survival rates after S. pyogenes challenge.
Conclusions:
- FBP54 is a conserved antigen across S. pyogenes strains.
- FBP54 elicits a robust immune response.
- FBP54 is a promising vaccine candidate for preventing Streptococcus pyogenes infections.