Group A Streptococcal (GAS) infection is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes. As a leading provider of GAS vaccine and therapy development services, our company is at the forefront of innovation, driving progress in the fight against this persistent and ever-evolving pathogen.
Overview of Group A Streptococcal Infection
Group A Streptococcus (GAS), also known as Streptococcus pyogenes, is a Gram-positive bacterial pathogen responsible for a wide range of human illnesses. GAS infections can manifest in various forms, including mild conditions like strep throat and impetigo, as well as severe, life-threatening invasive diseases such as necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. GAS is also a leading cause of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease, particularly in non-industrialized countries.
Fig. 1 Virulence factors of Group A Streptococcus (GAS). (Castro S. A., et al., 2021)
Vaccine Development for Group A Streptococcal Infection
Recent advancements include the identification of conserved antigenic proteins through genomic studies, which have revealed potential vaccine targets present in over 99% of global GAS isolates. Multivalent M protein-based vaccines and non-M protein-based candidates, such as streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin (Spe), fibronectin-binding proteins (FBI), and others, are under various stages of development.
Table 1 List of GAS vaccine candidates. (Castro S. A., et al., 2021)
| Vaccine Candidates |
Description |
Status |
| 26-valent vaccine (StreptAvax) |
Comprised four recombinant proteins containing N-terminal peptides from 26 M proteins |
Phase II |
| 6-valent vaccine |
Comprised N-terminal M protein fragments from serotypes M1, M3, M5, M6, M19 and M24 |
Phase I |
| 30-valent vaccine (StreptAnova™) |
Comprised four recombinant proteins containing N-terminal peptides from 30 M proteins |
Phase I |
| J8 vaccine (MJ8VAX) |
Comprised a synthesized and acetylated peptide antigen (J8) from the conserved carboxyl terminus region of the M protein |
Phase I |
| Serum opacity factor (SOF) |
Anti-SOF antibodies tested against M2, M4 and M28 |
Preclinical |
| Group A carbohydrate (GAC) |
Purified GlcNAc-deficient GAC was tested for GAS survival |
Preclinical |
| C5a peptidase (ScpA) |
Major virulence factor anchored on the surface of GAS |
Preclinical |
| Pyrogenic exotoxins (Spe) |
SpeA and SpeC superantigen
Spe linked to STSS |
Preclinical |
| Chemokine cleaving protease (SpyCEP) |
SpyCEP is expressed on the GAS surface and secreted |
Preclinical |
Therapeutics Development for Group A Streptococcal Infection
The emergence of antibiotic resistance in GAS, particularly against clindamycin and macrolides, has heightened the need for new drug development. While GAS remains sensitive to penicillin, the potential for resistance development mandates the exploration of alternative therapies. Research is focused on identifying new antimicrobial agents that can target GAS, including drugs that can effectively penetrate biofilms and intracellular spaces where GAS can hide from the immune system and antibiotics.
In the realm of GAS therapy development, our team specializes in the identification and characterization of novel antimicrobial agents, including small molecules, antimicrobial peptides, and biologics targeting virulence factors. We also provide comprehensive services to support the evaluation, optimization, and progression of your therapeutic pipeline.
Our Services
At our company, we are dedicated to advancing the field of GAS infection therapeutics through our comprehensive range of vaccine and therapy development services. Our team of highly experienced scientists, immunologists, and pharmacologists leverages state-of-the-art technologies and deep-domain expertise to support our clients in every stage of the drug and vaccine development process.
Infectious Disease Models
- Streptococcal Skin Infection Models
- Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome Models
- Autoimmune Sequelae Models (Glomerulonephritis/Rheumatic Fever)
- Models of Differential Host Susceptibility to GAS Infection
Our preclinical research services encompass a wide array of in vitro and in vivo studies to evaluate the safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of GAS vaccine candidates and therapeutic compounds. If our services have piqued your interest, we warmly welcome you to reach out to us for further information and to obtain a detailed quotation for the services you require.
References
- Castro, Sowmya Ajay, and Helge C. Dorfmueller. "A brief review on Group A Streptococcus pathogenesis and vaccine development." Royal Society open science 8.3 (2021): 201991.
- Johnson Anders F., and Christopher N. LaRock. "Antibiotic treatment, mechanisms for failure, and adjunctive therapies for infections by group A Streptococcus." Frontiers in microbiology 12 (2021): 760255.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use
only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
