Identification of the Annexin A2-interacting domain of pneumococcal PsaA

is a leading cause of millions of deaths worldwide each year due to its ability to transition from an asymptomatic colonizer to an invasive pathogen. Current pneumococcal conjugate and polysaccharide vaccines protect against pneumococcal disease, but overall colonization rates have remained stable. Since pneumococcus is an opportunistic pathogen, decreasing overall colonization rates is essential for preventing progression to disease. The significance of our research lies in mapping functional epitopes within key pneumococcal adhesins that play a critical role in bacterial adherence. Defining these adhesion epitopes is essential for the rational design of next-generation protein-based vaccines capable of blocking colonization and ultimately reducing the global burden of invasive pneumococcal diseases.