Investigators: Anthony Kicic, Jonathan Carapetis, Tim Barnett
A vaccine that prevents the initial attachment of Strep A to the tonsils would reduce the incidence of Strep throat and severe diseases that result. However, the initial steps that take place during Strep A infection of the tonsils are not well understood. The interaction of germs with human tissues is similar to the interaction of a key with a lock. If we can identify precisely which Strep A molecules (keys) bind to which tonsil receptors (locks), we may be able to design a vaccine to prevent these infections.
Successful development of a Strep throat vaccine will reduce the considerable illness and death due to serious Strep A diseases, and the significant burden on our healthcare systems each year from Strep A infections and the long-term consequences of these infections.