PEPTIDE VACCINES AGAINST GROUP A STREPTOCOCCI

摘要

This invention, in one aspect, relates to synthetic immunoreactive peptides. These peptides are approximately 20-25 amino acids in length which are portions of the N termini of the M proteins of the most prevalent United States (U.S.) Group A Streptococcus (GAS) serotypes. At least some of the synthetic peptides can be recognized by M type-specific antibodies and are capable of eliciting functional opsonic antibodies and/or anti-attachment antibodies without eliciting tissue cross- reactive antibodies. In another aspect, it relates to compositions or vaccines comprising these synthetic serotype-specific peptides, including polypeptides and proteins. The inventi on may also be isolated antibodies which are raised in response to the peptides , compositions or vaccines. The invention further relates to kits for using th e peptides, compositions, or antibodies. In still further aspects, the inventi on also relates to methods for using the peptides, compositions, vaccines, or antibodies and methods for tailoring vaccines.