Alpha-like protein Rib (Rib)

Alpha-like protein Rib is a surface-anchored protein found in Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus, GBS), primarily associated with serotype III strains that cause invasive neonatal disease [1, 3]. It is a member of the Alpha-like protein (Alp) family and is characterized by a large number of identical tandem repeats that are highly immunogenic [3, 4]. Rib functions as a virulence factor by promoting bacterial adhesion to host epithelial cells and facilitating immune evasion, thereby contributing to the development of neonatal sepsis and meningitis [3]. Due to its high prevalence in clinical isolates and its ability to elicit protective opsonophagocytic antibodies, Rib is a key component in several multivalent GBS vaccine candidates, such as Pfizer's GBS6 [2]. Therapeutic strategies focusing on Rib aim to provide passive or active immunity to prevent maternal colonization and subsequent vertical transmission to newborns [2, 4].

Other names

Surface protein RibRib proteinGroup B Streptococcus Rib proteinBCP-2

Induction of opsonophagocytic antibodies that facilitate bacterial clearance and prevent host cell invasion.