This invention, in one aspect, relates to synthetic immunoreactive
peptides. These peptides are approximately 20-25 amino acids in length
which are portions of the N termini of the M proteins of the most
prevalent United States (U.S.) Group A Streptococcus (GAS) serotypes. At
least some of the synthetic peptides can be recognized by M type-specific
antibodies and are capable of eliciting functional opsonic antibodies
and/or anti-attachment antibodies without eliciting tissue cross-reactive
antibodies. In another aspect, it relates to compositions or vaccines
comprising these synthetic serotype-specific peptides, including
polypeptides and proteins. The invention may also be isolated antibodies
which are raised in response to the peptides, compositions or vaccines.
The invention further relates to kits for using the peptides,
compositions, or antibodies. In still further aspects, the invention also
relates to methods for using the peptides, compositions, vaccines, or
antibodies and methods for tailoring vaccines.