Characterization of a novel leucine-rich repeat protein antigen from group B streptococci that elicits protective immunity.

ABSTRACT: Group B streptococci (GBS) usually behave as commensal organisms that asymptomatically colonize the gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts of adults. However, GBS are also pathogens and the leading bacterial cause of life-threatening invasive disease in neonates. While the events leading to transmission and disease in neonates remain unclear, GBS carriage and level of colonization in the mother have been shown to be significant risk factors associated with invasive infection. Surface antigens represent ideal vaccine targets for eliciting antibodies that can act as opsonins and/or inhibit colonization and invasion. Using a genetic screen for exported proteins in GBS, we identified a gene, designated lrrG, that encodes a novel LPXTG anchored surface antigen containing leucine-rich repeat (LR

SUBMITTER: Seepersaud R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1064916 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature