The GEMINI Study

The GEMINI (Group A Streptococcus Mucosal Immunity) Study

Summary

Infection with Group A streptococcus (GAS) causes half a million deaths per year globally. GAS are throat bacteria that are spread by sneezing, coughing and direct touch. Infection causes a sore throat, skin infection, or no symptoms at all. Severe infections occur when GAS enters the bloodstream (sepsis) or releases toxins (toxic shock). GAS infection can also cause the immune system to become 'confused' and attack the heart (rheumatic heart disease) and kidneys (glomerulonephritis). There is currently no vaccine available that can prevent GAS infection. This is because it has been difficult to design a vaccine that protects against the many different strains of GAS. We also don't know what type of immune response is required for a GAS vaccine to be effective. Other vaccines that prevent bacterial infections reduce the chances of passing bacteria on to others by boosting immune responses in the nose and throat. Studying the immune response to GAS in tonsils, which are immune organs situated in the throat, will provide valuable information for vaccine design. In this research project, we will study how immune cells from tonsils respond to GAS in the laboratory. Samples will be obtained from patients who are having their tonsils surgically removed for other reasons. Performing this research will help us design an effective vaccine, using the Bristol ADDomer biosynthetic platform, that could protect against many strains of GAS.