Group A Streptococcus produce pilus-like structures containing protective antigens and Lancefield T antigens

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2005 Oct 25;102(43):15641-6. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0507808102. Epub 2005 Oct 13.

Abstract

Although pili have long been recognized in Gram-negative pathogens as important virulence factors involved in adhesion and invasion, very little is known about extended surface organelles in Gram-positive pathogens. Here we report that Group A Streptococcus (GAS), a Gram-positive human-specific pathogen that causes pharyngitis, impetigo, invasive disease, necrotizing fasciitis, and autoimmune sequelae has long, surface-exposed, pilus-like structures composed of members of a family of extracellular matrix-binding proteins. We describe four variant pili and show that each is recognized by a specific serum of the Lancefield T-typing system, which has been used for over five decades to characterize GAS isolates. Furthermore, we show that immunization of mice with a combination of recombinant pilus proteins confers protection against mucosal challenge with virulent GAS bacteria. The data indicate that induction of a protective immune response against these structures may be a useful strategy for development of a vaccine against disease caused by GAS infection.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, Bacterial / analysis*
  • Base Sequence
  • Female
  • Fimbriae Proteins / immunology
  • Fimbriae, Bacterial / physiology*
  • Immunization
  • Mice
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Streptococcal Infections / prevention & control
  • Streptococcus pyogenes / genetics
  • Streptococcus pyogenes / immunology*
  • Streptococcus pyogenes / pathogenicity
  • Virulence Factors / analysis

Substances

  • Antigens, Bacterial
  • Virulence Factors
  • Fimbriae Proteins

Associated data

  • GENBANK/DQ106872
  • GENBANK/DQ106873
  • GENBANK/DQ106874
  • GENBANK/DQ106875
  • GENBANK/DQ106876
  • GENBANK/DQ106877
  • GENBANK/DQ106878
  • GENBANK/DQ106879
  • GENBANK/DQ106880
  • GENBANK/DQ106881
  • GENBANK/DQ106882