Investigators: Aarti Saiganesh, Anthony Kicic, Kevin Looi, Timothy Barnett
Strep A (Group A Streptococcus) is a major bacterial pathogen (germ) and is one of the top 10 infections causing human death worldwide. The majority of Strep A infections are mild illnesses of the throat (Strep throat) and skin (impetigo). Globally, there are at least 600 million cases of Strep throat each year, making this one of the most common causes of GP doctor visits, with high associated medical and economic costs. While relatively uncommon, severe side-effects of these mild infections result in over 600,000 human deaths per year. These include invasive diseases, such as toxic shock syndrome and flesh-eating disease, and autoimmune diseases exemplified by Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF).
Acute Rheumatic Fever is a major cause of disease in Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations. Strep throat is known to be the cause of many of these severe infections. The interaction of Strep A with human tonsils (the site of infection in the throat), is very poorly understood. The interaction of germs with human tissues is similar to the interaction of a key with a lock. If we can identify precisely which Strep A molecules (keys) bind to which tonsil receptors (locks), we may be able to design vaccines and/or therapies to prevent and treat these infections.
This research project aims to develop a system to grow tonsil tissue in the laboratory, so that we can scientifically evaluate which Strep A molecules (keys) are required for binding to the tonsils. The successful development of this system will provide a highly-relevant model for the study of the initial steps of Strep A disease. This will help our future plans to develop improved treatments that include vaccines to prevent Strep A infection, and antibiotics to treat established infections.