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[Pneumococcus pathogenicity factors and their protective properties]

N N Kostiukova, V A Bekhalo

    Zhurnal Mikrobiologii, Epidemiologii I Immunobiologii
    |October 8, 2014
    PubMed

    Insights

    Recent advances in molecular biology and genetic research have identified numerous pneumococcus pathogenicity factors beyond capsule polysaccharide. Some surface proteins and pneumolysin show protective activity, paving the way for new vaccine development.

    Area of Science:

    • Infectology
    • Molecular Biology
    • Genetics

    Context:

    • Significant progress in understanding pneumococcus pathogenicity factors has been achieved due to advancements in molecular-biological and genetic research methods.
    • The use of adequate models, including human respiratory epithelium colonization and mouse models for colonization, sepsis, and meningitis, has been crucial for these advancements.

    Purpose:

    • To identify and characterize the pathogenicity factors of Streptococcus pneumoniae.
    • To explore the roles of various factors, including capsule polysaccharide, surface proteins, and pneumolysin, in pneumococcal disease.
    • To investigate the potential of identified factors for novel vaccine development.

    Summary:

    • Beyond the well-known capsule polysaccharide, dozens of pneumococcal surface proteins involved in adhesion, colonization, and invasion have been identified.
    • Pneumolysin functions as both a toxic factor and a brain invasion factor.
    • Many identified pathogenicity factors contribute to biofilm formation, facilitating prolonged nasopharyngeal colonization.

    Impact:

    • The protective activity demonstrated by certain surface proteins and pneumolysin provides a basis for developing novel, rational pneumococcal vaccines.
    • These new vaccine strategies offer a potential alternative to existing polysaccharide-based vaccines.

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