Description of Invention:
The current technology describes sixteen isolated and purified Spy polypeptides that are conserved across many Group A Streptococcus serotypes and that are expressed during infection. The polypeptides are from the polypeptide portion of a lipoprotein of a Group A Streptococcus. Infection with Group A Streptococcus bacteria can result in mild illness such as strep throat, or more severe illnesses such as necrotizing faciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. Currently such infections are treated with antibiotics, but trends indicate an increasing resistance to e.g. erythromycin. There is currently no licensed vaccine for Group A Streptococcus. The M protein, a main focus of studies directed toward vaccine development, elicits antibodies that are either serospecific or may induce harmful cross-reacting antibodies. This technology identified individual polypeptides that were promising vaccine candidates and various combinations thereof. Additionally, antibodies to these polypeptides are discussed, which could be used therapeutically or in diagnostic assays.
Inventors:
James M. Musser and Benfang Lei (NIAID)
For Additional Information Please Contact: Susan Ano Ph.D.
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
6011 Executive Blvd, Suite 325
Rockville, MD 20852-3804
Phone: (301) 435-5515
Email: anos@mail.nih.gov
Fax: (301) 402-0220
