Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026
13:47
Opsono-Adherence Assay to Evaluate Functional Antibodies in Vaccine Development Against Bacillus anthracis and Other Encapsulated Pathogens
Published on: May 19, 2020
Group A streptococcal vaccines: facts versus fantasy
Andrew C Steer1, Michael R Batzloff, Kim Mulholland
1Centre for International Child Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. andrew.steer@rch.org.au
Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases
|October 3, 2009
Summary
Group A Streptococcus (GAS) vaccine development has advanced, focusing on M protein and conserved antigens. While candidates show promise, public health measures remain crucial for global GAS disease control.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Vaccinology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Group A Streptococcus (GAS) causes significant global disease burden.
- Effective vaccines are needed to control GAS infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review progress in group A streptococcal (GAS) vaccine development.
- To highlight recent advances in GAS vaccine research.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical and recent GAS vaccine development strategies.
- Analysis of clinical trial data for GAS vaccine candidates.
- Exploration of novel antigen discovery through reverse vaccinology.
Main Results:
- A 26-valent recombinant M protein vaccine reached Phase I/II trials.
- Recent efforts focus on conserved GAS antigens, but none are in clinical trials.
- Vaccine candidates utilize conserved M protein regions, virulence factors, or novel antigens.
Conclusions:
- Multiple GAS vaccine candidates are in development.
- Significant progress has been made, but only one vaccine has entered clinical trials in 30 years.
- Public health measures are essential for global GAS disease prevention.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Streptococcal Pharyngitis
Streptococcal pharyngitis, commonly known as “strep throat,” is an acute infection of the oropharyngeal tissues caused by the Gram‑positive Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes). Transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets expelled during coughing, sneezing, or talking.Mechanisms of Host Entry and Immune EvasionUpon entering the host, S. pyogenes adheres to the mucosal epithelial cells of the pharynx via surface proteins, notably lipoteichoic acid and the antiphagocytic...
01:51Vaccinations
Overview
01:21Vaccines
Vaccines are among the most effective tools in preventive medicine, designed to prepare the immune system to recognize and combat infectious agents. By introducing antigens—substances that the immune system identifies as foreign—vaccines stimulate an adaptive immune response that leads to immunological memory. This immunological memory enables the body to mount a faster and more effective response upon future exposures to the actual pathogen.Vaccines can be categorized based on the type of...
01:29Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics
Microorganisms play a fundamental role in vaccine development, gene therapy, and therapeutic production. Their biological properties are harnessed to advance medicine and public health. Beyond immunization, microorganisms contribute to gut health, antibiotic synthesis, and genetic disease treatment.Live Attenuated and Inactivated VaccinesLive attenuated vaccines, such as the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, utilize weakened forms of pathogens to closely resemble natural infections.
01:30Cancer Vaccines
Cancer treatment vaccines are a rapidly evolving field that offers a promising approach to immunotherapy. Unlike traditional vaccines that prevent diseases, cancer treatment vaccines are designed to treat existing cancers by stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
01:31Active versus Passive Immunity
Immunity, along with the ability to limit pathogen growth to prevent significant body tissue damage, can be gained either by (1) actively developing an immune response within the individual after exposure to a pathogen or after getting vaccinated or (2) passively transferring immune components from an immune individual to one who is nonimmune. Both these forms of immunity can be found naturally and in medical practices.
Active Immunity
Active immunity refers to the resistance one develops...
Active Immunity
Active immunity refers to the resistance one develops...