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A systematic and functional classification of Streptococcus pyogenes that serves as a new tool for molecular typing

Martina Sanderson-Smith1, David M P De Oliveira1, Julien Guglielmini2

  • 1Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute and School of Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong, Australia.

The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|May 7, 2014
PubMed

Insights

A new classification of Streptococcus pyogenes based on 48 functional emm-clusters, sharing M protein properties, is proposed. This approach could enable broader vaccine development against invasive streptococcal infections and rheumatic heart disease.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Vaccinology

Background:

  • Streptococcus pyogenes is a major global cause of bacterial mortality.
  • Current vaccines are lacking for diseases like rheumatic heart disease and invasive infections.
  • The M protein, a key virulence factor and vaccine antigen, has over 220 variants, complicating vaccine development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose a functional classification system for Streptococcus pyogenes M proteins.
  • To facilitate vaccine development and epidemiological surveillance.
  • To shift focus from type-specific to emm-cluster-based immunity.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of M protein variants.
  • Development of a functional classification based on shared binding and structural properties.
  • Definition of 48 distinct emm-clusters.

Main Results:

  • A novel classification of M proteins into 48 emm-clusters was established.
  • These clusters group closely related M proteins with similar functions.
  • This system simplifies comparisons and aids in understanding M protein diversity.

Conclusions:

  • The proposed emm-cluster system offers a standardized approach for Streptococcus pyogenes typing.
  • This classification is crucial for advancing M protein research, understanding virulence, and developing effective vaccines.
  • A paradigm shift towards emm-cluster-based immunity is recommended for S. pyogenes.
Keywords:
IgAIgGM proteinStreptococcus pyogenesepidemiologyfibrinogenmolecular typingplasminogenvaccine

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