Vaccine strategies to prevent rheumatic fever

Immunol Res. 1999;19(1):89-103. doi: 10.1007/BF02786478.

Abstract

Group A streptococci (GAS) are responsible for numerous human illnesses, ranging from pharyngitis to severe invasive infections, such as necrotizing fascitis and toxic shock syndrome to the postinfectious sequelae, acute rheumatic fever (ARF), and glomerulonephritis. To date, to develop a vaccine, studies have focused on the M protein. However, designing a vaccine to prevent GAS infection based on this molecule has been hampered by the vast number of M protein serotypes and the possibility that it may induce potentially harmful autoimmune reactions. In this article, the authors discuss recent approaches to overcoming the problems of an M protein-based vaccine. In addition, recent studies identifying the protective properties of other streptococcal antigens and their potential as vaccine candidates are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Antigens, Bacterial / immunology*
  • Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins*
  • Bacterial Proteins / immunology
  • Bacterial Vaccines / administration & dosage
  • Bacterial Vaccines / immunology*
  • Carrier Proteins / immunology
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Rheumatic Fever / prevention & control*
  • Streptococcal Infections / prevention & control*
  • Streptococcus pyogenes / immunology*
  • Vaccination

Substances

  • Antigens, Bacterial
  • Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins
  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Bacterial Vaccines
  • Carrier Proteins
  • streptococcal M protein