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Updated: Dec 17, 2025

Co-immunoprecipitation of the Mouse Mx1 Protein with the Influenza A Virus Nucleoprotein
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Immunotherapy targeting the Streptococcus pyogenes M protein or streptolysin O to treat or prevent influenza A

Andrea L Herrera1, Christopher Van Hove1, Mary Hanson1

  • 1Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, The Sanford School of Medicine of the University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, United States of America.

Plos One
|June 24, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Passive immunotherapy targeting Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus) showed potential in reducing illness during influenza A virus superinfections in mice. However, it did not significantly decrease mortality, suggesting further antibody development is needed.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Viral infections can be complicated by bacterial coinfections or superinfections.
  • Group A Streptococcus (GAS) can cause severe outcomes, as seen during the 2009 influenza pandemic, despite penicillin susceptibility.
  • Passive immunization is a potential strategy to enhance treatment outcomes for GAS infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of passive immunotherapy targeting GAS in a murine model of influenza A virus (IAV)-GAS superinfection.
  • To assess the effectiveness of antisera against streptococcal M protein and streptolysin O (SLO) in reducing morbidity and mortality.

Main Methods:

  • A murine model of IAV-GAS superinfection was established.
  • Mice received prophylactic or therapeutic administration of antisera targeting M protein or SLO.
  • Outcomes were compared between treated groups and those receiving non-immune sera, focusing on morbidity and mortality.

Main Results:

  • Prophylactic treatment with anti-M protein or anti-SLO antisera reduced morbidity but did not significantly decrease mortality.
  • Therapeutic administration of anti-SLO antisera decreased morbidity, but neither antisera significantly reduced mortality.
  • Morbidity was reduced in mice treated with immune sera compared to non-immune sera.

Conclusions:

  • Antibodies targeting the M protein or SLO may serve as an adjunct therapy for invasive GAS diseases.
  • This approach could be particularly beneficial for managing IAV-GAS superinfections, especially during influenza pandemics.
  • Further development of these antibody-based therapies is warranted.

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