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Surface Structures of Group B Streptococcus Important in Human Immunity
Lawrence C Paoletti1, Dennis L Kasper1
1Division of Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115.
Vaccines targeting Streptococcus agalactiae (group B Streptococcus) surface antigens are progressing. Both polysaccharide-protein conjugates and novel protein-based vaccines have shown promise in preclinical and clinical studies.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Vaccinology
- Immunology
Background:
- Streptococcus agalactiae, or group B Streptococcus (GBS), is a significant Gram-positive opportunistic pathogen.
- GBS possesses numerous surface carbohydrate and protein antigens with potential as vaccine targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the development of vaccines against GBS infections.
- To assess the antigenicity and immunogenicity of GBS surface antigens for vaccine design.
Main Methods:
- Extensive animal testing of capsular polysaccharide-protein conjugates from all clinically relevant GBS serotypes.
- Preclinical evaluation of GBS proteins alone, in combination, and as fusion protein constructs.
- Clinical trials in healthy adult women for polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccines.
Main Results:
- Carbohydrate and protein antigens from GBS have demonstrated significant immunogenic potential.
- Vaccine candidates based on GBS surface antigens have advanced to human clinical trials.
- Formulations for effective GBS vaccines are now feasible based on current knowledge.
Conclusions:
- Viable vaccine formulations against GBS diseases are achievable.
- Both polysaccharide-protein conjugates and novel protein-based vaccines represent promising strategies.
- Continued research into GBS antigenicity and immunogenicity supports vaccine development.
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