Work

No compelling evidence that vaccination with streptococcus pyogenes group A carbohydrate elicits cross-reactive rheumatic fever autoantibodies

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: We reviewed 70 years of research defining the specificity of anti-group A carbohydrate (GAC) monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies and antibodies raised against other S. pyogenes components reacting with GAC. While some rheumatic fever associated autoantibodies react with N-Acetyl-β-D-glucosamine sidechains of GAC and cross-react with tissues, these appear to be a consequence, not the cause, of autoimmunity. We propose GAC be considered further as a broadly protective group A streptococcal vaccine. (70 words).

Source: npj Vaccines

DOI: 10.1038/s41541-025-01272-0

Authors: Tom Parks, Madeleine W. Cunningham, Allan Saul

Institutions: Imperial College London, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Burnet Institute, The University of Melbourne

Language: English

Topic: Streptococcal Infections and Treatments

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,890