Degree
Doctor of Philosophy
Program
Microbiology and Immunology
Supervisor
Dr. John McCormick
Abstract
Streptococcus pyogenes is a human-specific pathogen that is responsible for serious morbidity and mortality worldwide despite being susceptible to common antibiotics. Furthermore, there is currently no licensed vaccine available against this organism. Previous research from our laboratory implicated a critical role for SAgs in a transgenic mouse model of acute nasopharyngeal infection by S. pyogenes. Herein, we are able to detect SAg production in vivo and establish that anti-SAg antibodies generated by either passive immunization or active vaccination with a MHC II-binding interface SAg toxoid reduces S. pyogenes nasopharyngeal burden. We were also able to demonstrate that this organism requires responsive Vβ-specific T cells in order to efficiently infect the upper respiratory tract. These experiments remarkably reveal that S. pyogenes manipulates T cells to promote infection and also supports targeting SAgs as vaccine candidates to prevent nasopharyngeal carrier and subsequent disease caused by this globally important pathogen.
Recommended Citation
Zeppa, Joseph J., "Superantigen responsive T cells are required for nasopharyngeal infection by Streptococcus pyogenes" (2017). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 4435.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/4435