Group A streptococcal vaccines: facts versus fantasy

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review provides an overview of progress of the development of group A streptococcal (GAS) vaccines with a focus on recent advances. RECENT FINDINGS: Historically, GAS vaccine development has focused on the N-terminus of the M protein, which ultimately led to successful phase I/II clinical trials of a 26-valent recombinant M protein vaccine in 2004-2005. More recently, interest in antigens conserved among most, if not all, group A streptococci has increased. However, no vaccines containing these antigens have reached clinical trials. Three strategies have been used to develop conserved antigen vaccine candidates: use of the conserved region of the M protein; use of wel..