New group A Streptococcus vaccine antigen [Technology Offer]

Group A Streptococcus infections are responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide. An effective global vaccine against Streptococcus pyogenes is therefore urgent and supported by the World Health Organization. The great diversity of Streptococcus pyogenes strains circulating in low-income countries has been a major obstacle to vaccine development.

The present invention is at least in part based on the inventors’ discovery that peptides derived from group A Streptococcus (GAS) Enn protein can induce a meaningful immune-protective response against GAS bacteria in test subjects. Further, the inventors have also uncovered novel ways of classifying GAS based on their Enn protein sequence, which facilitates Enn antigen design, such as in particular the design of multivalent Enn vaccines.

• New combo vaccine formulation against GAS, including both a conserved and variable antigen and allowing for broad theoretical coverage in the whole world across geography and socio-economic status. 
• New GAS antigen that could be included in future vaccine formulation.
• Innovative and improved diagnostic test in dramatic clinical manifestations such as necrotising fasciitis ("flesh eating bacteria") and/or invasive GAS disease by a better understanding of GAS tissue tropism. 
• New therapeutics by a better understanding of GAS virulence.

TRL-3 Proof of concept of the technology on a preclinical model.

Pierre Smeesters is a paediatrician and microbiology researcher with a strong clinical background in paediatric infectious diseases. As demonstrated by his multidisciplinary publication record, his expertise ranges from basic science to clinical infectious disease. Based on this work, Dr Smeesters was awarded the triennial GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals Award from the Belgian Royal Academy of Medicine in June 2013. Dr Smeester’s international profile is also demonstrated by his position as the Chair of the European Society of Paediatric Infectious Disease Master Class, by his appointments in international initiatives and by his recent International Influence Award from ULB.

The Bacterial Genetics and Physiology Laboratory is part of the "Institut de Biologie et de Médecine Moléculaires" of the Université libre de Bruxelles. This institute is composed of 14 laboratories working in various fields such as microbiology, immunology, parasitology and development. Our lab has a long-standing know-how in bacterial genetics and mobile genetic elements. We have developed a translational research line in the field of bacterial infections that aims to provide clinically relevant outcomes based on our basic science expertise.

A Controlled Human Infection Model of Streptococcus pyogenes Pharyngitis. Lancet Microbe. (2021) Jul;2(7):e291-e299
Limitations of the Rheumatogenic Concept for Group A Streptococcus: systematic review and genetic analysis. Clin Infect Dis. (2020) Mar 17;70(7):1453-1460
Atlas of group A streptococcal vaccine candidates compiled using large scale comparative genomics. Nature Genetics (2019) Jun;51(6):1035-1043
Group A streptococcal M-like proteins: from pathogenesis to vaccine potential. FEMS Microbiology Reviews (2018) Mar 1;42(2):193-204

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