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Pneumococcal Surface Proteins as Virulence Factors, Immunogens, and Conserved Vaccine Targets

Javid Aceil1, Fikri Y Avci1

  • 1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Molecular Medicine, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States.

Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
|June 1, 2022
PubMed

Insights

New vaccines targeting conserved proteins in Streptococcus pneumoniae are crucial for preventing pneumococcal disease, especially with rising antibiotic resistance and vaccine limitations.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Vaccinology

Background:

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae causes over 1 million deaths annually.
  • Current pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) have limitations.
  • Antibiotic resistance and unencapsulated strains are increasing.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review conserved surface proteins of Streptococcus pneumoniae as potential vaccine targets.
  • To discuss the role of these proteins in virulence.
  • To examine immune responses to these proteins.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on Streptococcus pneumoniae surface proteins.
  • Analysis of protein contribution to virulence.
  • Evaluation of immune responses and vaccine potential.

Main Results:

  • Several classes of conserved surface proteins contribute to pneumococcal virulence.
  • These proteins elicit specific immune responses.
  • They show promise as targets for novel vaccines.

Conclusions:

  • Conserved surface proteins represent a promising avenue for developing new pneumococcal vaccines.
  • Addressing limitations of current PCVs is essential.
  • Further research into these targets can enhance pneumococcal disease prevention.
Keywords:
CbpAPhtD pneumococcal histidine triad protein DPspAPsrPStreptoccoccus pneumoniaeconjugate vaccinepneumococcal protein vaccinepneumolysin (PLY)

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