Isolated proteins, designated Cpa1 and Cpa49, and their corresponding amino
acid and nucleic acid sequences are provided which are useful in the
prevention and treatment of infection caused by group A streptococcal
bacteria such as Streptococcus pyogenes. These proteins have been observed
to bind to collagen, and thus methods are provided, such as by
administration of the proteins or antibodies generated thereto, whereby
streptococcal binding of collagen can be inhibited, and streptococcal
infection can be greatly reduced. In addition, medical instruments can be
treated using the collagen-binding proteins of the invention in order to
reduce or eliminate the possibility of their becoming infected or further
spreading the infection. In particular, the proteins are advantageous
because they may be used as vaccine components or antibodies thereof, and
they may be administered to wounds or used to coat biomaterials in order
to act as collagen blocking agents and reduce or prevent severe infection
by group A streptococcal bacteria.
