Overview

• Researchers led by Dr Alex Keeley at the University of Sheffield and the MRC have for the first time identified specific human antibodies that neutralize Streptococcus pyogenes
• The Nature Medicine study published August 8 tracked infants in The Gambia and showed maternal antibody levels wane as children mount their own immune responses
• Mapping early-life serological profiles has revealed the critical window for immunity and provided a blueprint for tailored vaccine candidates
• Teams are moving into preclinical testing of vaccine formulations based on these antibody targets and organizing international trials to assess safety and protection
• Strep A causes roughly 500,000 deaths each year, predominantly in low- and middle-income countries, and a successful vaccine could prevent severe disease and ease socio-economic strain