Engaging Broader Stakeholders to Accelerate Group A Streptococcus Vaccine Development

Abstract

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) imposes a significant global health burden across all age groups, annually causing over 600 million cases of pharyngitis and more than 18 million severe invasive infections or sequelae. The resurgence of scarlet fever globally and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) outbreaks in Japan have brought GAS infections back into the spotlight as a pressing global health concern. Unfortunately, no licensed vaccine against GAS is yet available for clinical use. Our comprehensive review examines the developmental history of GAS vaccines, outlining the research trajectory from early inactivated vaccines to contemporary multivalent, conjugate, multi-antigen, and mRNA-based vaccine platforms. It systematically analyzes clinical trial outcomes of GAS vaccines, highlighting recent advances in both M protein-based and non-M protein vaccine candidates while summarizing promising target antigens. The review concludes with critical strategies to accelerate vaccine commercialization, including enhanced investment in research and development, expanded collaborations, leveraging advanced vaccine technologies, streamlined clinical trials, and strengthened public health advocacy. This review critically evaluates the current evidence and future prospects in GAS vaccine development, emphasizing innovative strategies and engaging broader stakeholders to accelerate GAS vaccine development.

Keywords: GAS; Group A Streptococcus; J8; M protein; multivalent; vaccine.

Figure 1

A brief history of GAS vaccine development.

Figure 2

Comparative number of registered vaccine clinical trials: GAS vs. dengue virus vs. HIV.