ABSTRACT
The development of a vaccine against group A streptococcal (GAS) infection would prevent GAS-associated diseases including rheumatic fever (RF). This would have significant public health implications. However, there are two major impediments to the development of a GAS vaccine; the variability in the GAS M protein, which is the target of typespecific protective antibodies, and the potential for the induction of autoimmunity. To develop a safe and effective GAS vaccine, we have therefore taken a multi-epitope approach whereby several non-cross-reactive M protein peptides have been combined into a single immunogen using novel peptide chemistry. This “heteropolymer” vaccine candidate has proved successful in protecting mice from GAS infection and paves the way for future human clinical trials.
