Surface protein Rib (Rib) (Rib)

The Surface protein Rib (Rib) is a prominent cell-wall-anchored protein found in Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus, GBS), specifically prevalent in serotype III strains which are major causes of neonatal sepsis and meningitis (PMID: 1521105). It is a member of the alpha-like protein (Alp) family and is characterized by a large number of identical tandem repeats that provide resistance to proteases and contribute to its high molecular weight (UniProt: P0A4P3). Rib functions as a critical virulence factor by promoting bacterial adhesion to host tissues and assisting in evasion of the host immune response. Due to its high immunogenicity and presence on the surface of invasive GBS strains, it is a leading candidate for maternal immunization strategies (PMID: 9264058). Experimental vaccines targeting Rib aim to elicit opsonophagocytic antibodies that are transplacentally transferred to the fetus, providing passive immunity to the neonate against GBS infection. Clinical development of Rib-based vaccines often involves fusion proteins or multivalent formulations to ensure broad protection across different GBS serotypes.

Other names

Rib proteinGroup B Streptococcus Rib proteinResistance to proteases, Immunity, and Bacterial surface protein

Vaccine-mediated induction of protective opsonophagocytic antibodies (IgG) that target the bacterial surface, facilitating phagocytosis and clearance by the host immune system.