GAS Immuno-T: Development of a standardised immunity test to Group A Streptococcus

Group A Streptococcus (Strep A) is a major global health concern, causing over 600 million new infections each year. This bacterium can lead to a wide range of illnesses, from common conditions like sore throat and impetigo to more serious diseases like necrotising fasciitis and toxic shock syndrome. Repeated infections with Strep A can also result in long-term complications such as rheumatic heart disease and kidney problems.

T cells, a key part of the immune system, play a crucial role in fighting off infections like Strep A. However, there is currently no simple blood test to measure how well a person's T cells respond to Strep A, which is a major hurdle in developing effective vaccines.

Traditionally, measuring T cell responses has been complicated and expensive. During the COVID-19 pandemic, ImmunoServ developed a breakthrough T cell immunity test, the COVID-19 Immuno-T test, which made testing more accessible and standardised. This same platform is now being adapted to create a similar test for Strep A, called the 'Strep A Immuno-T test'.

This new test will measure how well T cells respond to Strep A, helping researchers better understand immunity to the bacterium and speeding up vaccine development. ImmunoServ has already gathered promising data from initial studies and is now working to further refine the test. The ultimate goal of this project is to create the world's first clinically validated T cell blood test for Strep A immunity for use by vaccine manufacturers and public health authorities.