Researchers discover that Group A streptococcal infections alter immunoglobulin G (IgG) homeostasis to evade the immune system, affecting the transition from local to systemic infections. The study also raises concerns about the effectiveness of antibody-based therapies, as the bacteria's virulence factors can degrade therapeutic antibodies.
By Dr. Chinta SidharthanOct 25 2023Reviewed by Benedette Cuffari, M.Sc. In a recent study published in the journal Nature Communications, researchers report that the heterogeneity of Group A streptococcal infections and the transition of local to systemic infections occurs along with alterations of the immunoglobulin G homeostasis by the pathogen.
In terms of disease severity, tissue tropism, and the sequelae post-infection, Group A streptococcal infections exhibit substantial heterogeneity. Localized throat or skin infections that result in pharyngitis or impetigo, which are often responsive to treatment with antimicrobials, sometimes progress into conditions such as necrotizing fasciitis and sepsis that can be life-threatening.
About the study In the present study, the researchers use a combination of animal model experiments and glycoproteomic and proteomic readouts to examine alterations to IgG homeostasis in Group A streptococcal infections.
Plasma samples from murine models were subjected to quantitative proteomic analyses to determine whether other structural and functional changes in IgG and other proteins occurred in parallel with glycan degradation. To explore whether exogenously administered IgG was also cleaved and inactivated by the upregulation of the protease and EndoS activity, mice were administered a pharmaceutical-grade mixture of IgG and challenged subcutaneously with Group A streptococcus.
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