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Published on: April 5, 2019
Analysis of the coverage capacity of the StreptInCor candidate vaccine against Streptococcus pyogenes
Karine M De Amicis1, Samar Freschi de Barros1, Raquel E Alencar1
1Heart Institute (InCor), School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Immunology Investigation Institute, National Institute for Science and Technology, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Abstract:
Streptococcus pyogenes is responsible for infections as pharyngitis, sepsis, necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. The M protein is the major bacterial antigen and consists of both polymorphic N-terminal portion and a conserved region. In the present study, we analyzed the in vitro ability of StreptInCor a C-terminal candidate vaccine against S. pyogenes to induce antibodies to neutralize/opsonize the most common S. pyogenes strains in Sao Paulo by examining the recognition by sera from StreptInCor immunized mice. We also evaluated the presence of cross-reactive antibodies against human heart valve tissue. Anti-StreptInCor antibodies were able to neutralize/opsonize at least 5 strains, showing that immunization with StreptInCor is effective against several S. pyogenes strains and can prevent infection and subsequent sequelae without causing autoimmune reactions.
Insights
This study shows StreptInCor vaccine candidate effectively neutralizes Streptococcus pyogenes strains, preventing infections and autoimmune reactions. Immunization induces protective antibodies against common strains.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Streptococcus pyogenes causes severe infections like pharyngitis, sepsis, and toxic shock syndrome.
- The M protein is a key bacterial antigen, with conserved and polymorphic regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vitro efficacy of StreptInCor, a C-terminal candidate vaccine against S. pyogenes.
- To assess antibody induction for neutralizing/opsonizing common S. pyogenes strains in Sao Paulo.
- To investigate potential cross-reactivity with human heart valve tissue.
Main Methods:
- Sera from StreptInCor-immunized mice were used to examine antibody recognition.
- In vitro assays were performed to assess neutralization and opsonization capabilities.
- Cross-reactivity against human heart valve tissue was evaluated.
Main Results:
- Anti-StreptInCor antibodies demonstrated the ability to neutralize/opsonize at least five common S. pyogenes strains.
- Immunization proved effective against multiple S. pyogenes strains.
- No autoimmune reactions were observed, indicating safety.
Conclusions:
- StreptInCor is a promising vaccine candidate against S. pyogenes.
- Effective immunization can prevent S. pyogenes infections and associated sequelae.
- The vaccine candidate shows potential for safe and broad-spectrum protection.
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