Antigenome technology: a novel approach for the selection of bacterial vaccine candidate antigens.

A novel approach for the identification of protein antigens from bacterial pathogens was previously developed in our laboratory that combines the advantages of full genome coverage and serological antigen identification. We have applied this technology to several bacterial pathogens of the genera Staphylococcus and Streptococcus and have, as a result, defined the "antigenome" of these pathogens. This catalogue defines the most relevant antigenic proteins that are targeted by the human immune system, including their antibody binding sites. The antigenome technology offers an integrated approach for antigen validation in order to select the most promising candidates for the development of subunit vaccines against the targeted bacterial diseases. Using this technology, novel protective antigens were discovered from several important human pathogens.