# HOST RESPONSES TO GROUP B STREPTOCOCCI

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · 1988 · $168,287

## Abstract

The major focus of this renewal application is to continue studies
of the major defined cell surface localized protein antigen of
group B streptococci, specifically the c (formerly Ibc, (composed
of trypsin-resistant (TR) and trypsin-sensitive (TS) components)
and R proteins of group B streptococci (GBS).  This will involve
further purification of the components of the c protein, as well
as the IgA binding protein that has been identified, and to assess
the role of antibodies to these protein as host defense mechanisms
against infection with strains possessing the protein antigenic
markers.  The contribution of these proteins antigentic markers of
GBS serotypes to the virulence of the organism and pathogenesis of
disease is suggested by in vitro and in vivo findings.  The
interaction of strains bearing the protein antigens with phagocytic
cells and antibody will be pursued by a number of integrated
approaches to further our understanding of host responses to these
GBS constituents.  These surface localized protein antigens may
account for variation in the biological behavior of GBS and strain-
to-strain variation.  The specific research goals are:  (1) to
pursue further purification and characterization of the c protein,
including the IgA binding protein; (2) to study characteristics of
IgA binding in GBS strains of major serotypes bearing the c
proteins; (3) to pursue the in vitro and in vivo biological
activity of polyclonal rabbit antisera to the TR and TS proteins;
(4) to characterize further the IgG1 monoclonal antibodies that we
have produced to the TR and TS proteins; (5) to produce additional
mouse monoclonal antibodies against the TR and TS proteins; (6) to
study the presence of antibodies against the TR and TS antigens in
the sera of mothers and newborn infants and other adults infected
or colonized with group B streptococci; (7) to study the
immunogenicity of the TR and TS antigens and their capacity to
confer immunological protection by immunization; (8) to study
mechanisms of resistance to killing of strains bearing the TR and
TS antigens; (9) to pursue studies on the role of R proteins and
their role in immunity to GBS.  Future projection of these studies
includes consideration of these proteins as immunogens that may
enhance the immunogenicity of GBS polysaccharide type antigens and
thereby be included in vaccine development.  In addition, since
antibodies against these proteins may confer protection directly,
they could contribute to preventive and therapeutic strategies for
GBS disease in infants.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3125576
- **Project number:** 2R01AI013926-11A1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
- **SAM.gov UEI:** KABJZBBJ4B54
- **Principal Investigator:** Patricia Ferrieri
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1988
- **Award amount:** $168,287
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 1977-07-01 → 1993-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3125576

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3125576, HOST RESPONSES TO GROUP B STREPTOCOCCI (2R01AI013926-11A1). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3125576. Licensed CC0.

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