Abstract: Immunogenic group A streptococcus M-related polypeptides and peptides and immunogenic compositions comprising these M-related polypeptides and peptides are provided herein that evoke cross-opsonic and cross-protective anti-GAS and anti-SDSE antibodies in animals. Also provided are preparations comprising immunogenic compositions that comprise M-related polypeptides, peptides, or fusion proteins and that further comprise at least one additional group A streptococcus immunogen, such as an M peptide or Spa peptide.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions are provided herein that are useful for inducing an immune response specific against group A streptococcus (GAS). Immunogenic compositions provided herein are multivalent and comprise a plurality of immunogenic peptides or fusion polypeptides comprising the immunogenic peptides that induce an immune response against GAS. The immunogenic compositions provided herein induce an immune response against the GAS serotypes represented by an immunogenic peptide (derived from an M protein or Spa protein) comprised within the immunogenic composition and also induce an immune response against serotypes that are unrepresented by any immunogenic peptide included in the immunogenic composition. Methods for using the compositions for inducing an immune response against GAS and for treating or reducing the likelihood of occurrence of a GAS infection are also provided.

Abstract: Immunogenic group A streptococcus M-related polypeptides and peptides and immunogenic compositions comprising these M-related polypeptides and peptides are provided herein that evoke cross-opsonic and cross-protective anti-GAS and anti-SDSE antibodies in animals. Also provided are preparations comprising immunogenic compositions that comprise M-related polypeptides, peptides, or fusion proteins and that further comprise at least one additional group A streptococcus immunogen, such as an M peptide or Spa peptide.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions are provided herein that are useful for inducing an immune response specific against group A streptococcus (GAS). Immunogenic compositions provided herein are multivalent and comprise a plurality of immunogenic peptides or fusion polypeptides comprising the immunogenic peptides that induce an immune response against GAS. The immunogenic compositions provided herein induce an immune response against the GAS serotypes represented by an immunogenic peptide (derived from an M protein or Spa protein) comprised within the immunogenic composition and also induce an immune response against serotypes that are unrepresented by any immunogenic peptide included in the immunogenic composition. Methods for using the compositions for inducing an immune response against GAS and for treating or reducing the likelihood of occurrence of a GAS infection are also provided.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions are provided herein that are useful for inducing an immune response specific against group A streptococcus (GAS). Immunogenic compositions provided herein are multivalent and comprise a plurality of immunogenic peptides or fusion polypeptides comprising the immunogenic peptides that induce an immune response against GAS. The immunogenic compositions provided herein induce an immune response against the GAS serotypes represented by an immunogenic peptide (derived from an M protein or Spa protein) comprised within the immunogenic composition and also induce an immune response against serotypes that are unrepresented by any immunogenic peptide included in the immunogenic composition. Methods for using the compositions for inducing an immune response against GAS and for treating or reducing the likelihood of occurrence of a GAS infection are also provided.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions are provided herein that are useful for inducing an immune response specific against group A streptococcus (GAS). Immunogenic compositions provided herein are multivalent and comprise a plurality of immunogenic peptides or fusion polypeptides comprising the immunogenic peptides that induce an immune response against GAS. The immunogenic compositions provided herein induce an immune response against the GAS serotypes represented by an immunogenic peptide (derived from an M protein or Spa protein) comprised within the immunogenic composition and also induce an immune response against serotypes that are unrepresented by any immunogenic peptide included in the immunogenic composition. Methods for using the compositions for inducing an immune response against GAS and for treating or reducing the likelihood of occurrence of a GAS infection are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for eliciting an immune response against Group A streptococci, comprising use of recombinant fusion polypeptides, and compositions thereof, that include a multivalent immunogenic portion of at least two immunogenic polypeptides from Group A streptococci M proteins (which are capable of stimulating a protective immune response against Group A streptococci), and a reiterated polypeptide from the immunogenic portion carboxy-terminal to the immunogenic portion, wherein the carboxy-terminal polypeptide is not required to stimulate an immune response against Group A streptococci.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for eliciting an immune response against Group A streptococci, comprising use of recombinant fusion polypeptides, and compositions thereof, that include a multivalent immunogenic portion of at least two immunogenic polypeptides from Group A streptococci M proteins (which are capable of stimulating a protective immune response against Group A streptococci), and a reiterated polypeptide from the immunogenic portion carboxy-terminal to the immunogenic portion, wherein the carboxy-terminal polypeptide is not required to stimulate an immune response against Group A streptococci.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for making and using therapeutic formulations of multivalent hybrid polypeptides comprising immunogenic peptides of M proteins from various different serotypes of group A streptococci and antibodies thereto are provided. Also provided are nucleic acids encoding such hybrid polypeptides. The hybrid polypeptide formulations may be used, for example, in methods for treating or preventing a microbial infection and eliciting a protective immune response having broadly protective opsonic antibodies in the absence of tissue cross-reactive antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for eliciting an immune response against Group A streptococci, comprising use of recombinant fusion polypeptides, and compositions thereof, that include a multivalent immunogenic portion of at least two immunogenic polypeptides from Group A streptococci M proteins (which are capable of stimulating a protective immune response against Group A streptococci), and a reiterated polypeptide from the immunogenic portion carboxy-terminal to the immunogenic portion, wherein the carboxy-terminal polypeptide is not required to stimulate an immune response against Group A streptococci.

Abstract: Provided are streptolysin S (SLS) polypeptides, peptides, and variants thereof, antibodies directed thereto, and isolated nucleic acids encoding such proteins. In one embodiment, a method is provided wherein a synthetic peptide of SLS is used to elicit an immune response specific for SLS in a subject to treat or prevent a streptococcal infection. In other embodiments, antibodies that neutralize the hemolytic activity of the SLS toxin may be used as a vaccinating agent.

Abstract: Recombinant hybrid streptococcal M protein antigens are provided which elicit protective antibodies against Group A streptococci and prevent rheumatic fever. Recombinant hybrid genes which encode the antigen are provided. Vaccine compositions and methods of administering the compositions are provided to elicit immunity against Group A streptococci.

Abstract: The present invention provides the discovery of a new Streptococcus protective antigen (herein designated Spa) which has been identified and isolated from Streptococci. Spa is a surface antigen distinct from M protein which evokes opsonic antibodies that are protective against multiple serotypes of streptococci. The invention further provides isolated Spa polypeptides, proteins, peptides, and antibodies against the same, as well as nucleic acids encoding Spa polypeptide and peptide antigens. Also provided are methods for identification and isolation of a Spa polypeptide, therapeutic compositions comprised of Spa antigens or antibodies and methods of their use in protecting an animal against a Streptococcus infection.

Abstract: The present invention provides immunogenic synthetic fusion polypeptide which stimulates an immune response against a selected pathogen, comprising at least two immunogenic polypeptides from a Group A streptococci of at least 10 amino acids in length which are capable of stimulating an immune response against Group A strepococci, and a peptide C terminal to the immunogenic polypeptide which protects the immunogenicity of the immunogenic portion, wherein the C-terminal peptide is not required to stimulate an immune response against Group A streptococci.

Abstract: Provided are streptolysin S (SLS) polypeptides, peptides, and variants thereof, antibodies directed thereto, and isolated nucleic acids encoding such proteins. In one embodiment, a method is provided wherein a synthetic peptide of SLS is used to elicit an immune response specific for SLS in a subject to treat or prevent a streptococcal infection. In other embodiments, antibodies that neutralize the hemolytic activity of the SLS toxin may be used as a vaccinating agent.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for making and using therapeutic formulations of multivalent hybrid polypeptides comprising immunogenic peptides of M proteins from various different serotypes of group A streptococci and antibodies thereto are provided. Also provided are nucleic acids encoding such hybrid polypeptides. The hybrid polypeptide formulations may be used, for example, in methods for treating or preventing a microbial infection and eliciting a protective immune response having broadly protective opsonic antibodies in the absence of tissue cross-reactive antibodies.

Abstract: Recombinant hybrid streptococcal M protein antigens are provided which elicit protective antibodies against Group A streptococci and prevent rheumatic fever. Recombinant hybrid genes which encode the antigen are provided. Vaccine compositions and methods of administering the compositions are provided to elicit immunity against Group A streptococci.

Abstract: Recombinant hybrid streptococcal M protein antigens are provided which elicit protective antibodies against Group A streptococci and prevent rheumatic fever. Recombinant hybrid genes which encode the antigen are provided. Vaccine compositions and methods of administering the compositions are provided to elicit immunity against Group A streptococci.

Abstract: Provided are streptolysin S (SLS) polypeptides, peptides, and variants thereof, antibodies directed thereto, and isolated nucleic acids encoding such proteins. In one embodiment, a method is provided wherein a synthetic peptide of SLS is used to elicit an immune response specific for SLS in a subject to treat or prevent a streptococcal infection. In other embodiments, antibodies that neutralize the hemolytic activity of the SLS toxin may be used as a vaccinating agent.

Abstract: A recombinant multivalent hybrid protein vaccine against multiple serotypes of group A streptococci that may result in rheumatic fever. The vaccine can also evoke other protective antibodies of the mucosal type DNA sequences e.g. genes which encode the necessary amino acids that carry our the desired epitopes. A method of vaccination against streptococcal infections and compositions for carrying out the same.