Peptide Vaccines Against Group A Streptococci

This invention relates to synthetic immunoreactive peptides, which are portions of the M proteins of the most prevalent Group A Streptococcus (GAS) serotypes in the United States. These peptides may be useful in development of a flexible, multivalent GAS vaccine. They can be recognized by M type-specific antibodies and are capable of eliciting functional opsonic antibodies. Additionally, the peptides or isolated antibodies raised in response to the peptides may be useful for GAS diagnostics.