A method and composition for eliciting an immune response to group A streptococcal bacteria in a mammal is provided, which includes administering to the mammal an M protein fragment, variant or derivative thereof and a SpyCEP protein or peptide fragment, or an antibody to the SpyCEP protein or fragment to facilitate restoring or enhancing neutrophil activity. Also provided is an immunodominant peptide fragment of SpyCEP.
