This invention provides isolated nucleic acids encoding polypeptides
comprising amino acid sequences of streptococcal matrix adhesion (Ema)
polypeptides. The invention provides nucleic acids encoding Group B
streptococcal Ema polypeptides EmaA, EmaB, EmaC, EmaD and EmaE. The
present invention provides isolated polypeptides comprising amino acid
sequences of Group B streptococcal polypeptides EmaA, EmaB, EmaC, EmaD
and EmaE, including analogs, variants, mutants, derivatives and fragments
thereof. Ema homologous polypeptides from additional bacterial species,
including S. pneumoniae, S. pyogenes, E. faecalis and C. diptheriae are
also provided. Antibodies to the Ema polypeptides and immunogenic
fragments thereof are also provided. The present invention relates to the
identification and prevention of infections by virulent forms of
streptococci. This invention provides pharmaceutical compositions,
immunogenic compositions, vaccines, and diagnostic and therapeutic
methods of use of the isolated polypeptides, antibodies thereto, and
nucleic acids. Assays for compounds which modulate the polypeptides of
the present invention for use in therapy are also provided.