Immunogenicity of recombinant polytope constructs containing protective group A streptococcal antigens, J14 and H12

A number of polytope recombinant proteins were constructed that contained two group A streptococcal (GAS) protective epitopes, J14 and H12, in various combinations and molar ratios. The ability of each of these polytopes to stimulate an immune response to both of the antigens was tested in a murine model. Antigen-specific serum IgG varied between polytope constructs, indicating that the relative position of J14 and H12 influences the immune response and may need to be considered in multi-epitope vaccine design containing these antigens.