Streptococcus pyogenes adhesion and division protein (SpyAD) (SpyAD)

Streptococcus pyogenes adhesion and division protein (SpyAD) is a highly conserved, surface-exposed protein found in Group A Streptococcus (GAS). It is characterized as a moonlighting protein due to its dual roles in bacterial physiology and pathogenesis. Specifically, SpyAD is involved in the bacterial cell division process through its interaction with the divisome protein FtsZ at the cell septum. Additionally, it functions as an adhesin that facilitates the attachment and invasion of host epithelial cells, as well as evasion of neutrophil-mediated killing. In disease, SpyAD contributes to the virulence of GAS, which causes a range of conditions from pharyngitis to life-threatening invasive infections like necrotizing fasciitis. Because of its high conservation across GAS strains and its critical roles in virulence, SpyAD is a leading candidate for the development of a GAS vaccine. Vaccines targeting SpyAD, such as VAX-A1 and GSK's 4-component vaccine, aim to elicit opsonophagocytic antibodies that enhance bacterial clearance and prevent invasive disease. These vaccines are designed to provide broad protection without the autoimmune risks associated with traditional M-protein-based vaccines.

Other names

Spy0269S. pyogenes adhesion and division proteinStreptococcus pyogenes adhesion and division protein

Induction of opsonophagocytic antibodies and inhibition of bacterial adhesion and division.